Mary Crystalline T. Araracap, DOST-STII
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The National Astronomy Week (NAW) kicked off last February 16, 2025 highlighting how astronomy connects to music, art, film, climate change, and even mental health.
The celebration ran until February 22 with 73,000 participants tuned in to watch the opening ceremony streamed live on DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration official Facebook page. This year, DOST-PAGASA along with the Philippine Astronomical Society Inc (PAS), and the Astronomical League of the Philippines Inc (ALP).
The DOST secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. shared that astronomy, with its stunning images and groundbreaking activities, has a special way of inspiring curiosity in young people and sparking public fascination.
By supporting education in this field, we are not just learning about the universe; we're also investing in the future of science and technology.
Solidum encouraged everyone to use this celebration as a chance to explore the endless possibilities astronomy offers in helping us understand our place in the universe. He emphasized that the future of astronomy in the Philippines relies on teamwork and collaboration. He hopes that the partnership among organizations like DOST-PAGASA, the PAS, and the ALP will continue as they tackle the challenges of exploring the universe together.
DOST-PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando explained that this year's theme highlights how astronomy impacts our everyday lives, even if we don't always realize it. Many people think of astronomy as something far away, but in truth, it affects us in many surprising ways. The event explored how astronomy connects to our everyday experiences, such as how the movements of celestial bodies influence music, art, film, and even our understanding of climate change.
Mr. Justine Castillo (PAGASA), Ms. Martine Joy Irog (PAS), and Mr. Andrew Ian Chan (ALP) formally led the opening ceremony of the NAW 2025 (Photo: Screenshot from DOST-PAGASA’s Facebook live)
Ms. Martin Joy Irog, the Chairperson of the Philippine Astronomical Society, offers an interesting viewpoint that astronomy is much more than just complex equations and fancy telescopes. Many people think these things are only for experts, but the celebration emphasizes that everyone should have access to knowledge about the universe.
Dr. Jett Aguilar, President of the Astronomical League of the Philippines, expressed his happiness at the growing interest in astronomy among young Filipinos. This year’s National Astronomy Week is particularly significant for Filipino astronomy because all national and local astronomical societies are joining forces under the guidance of PAGASA. Together, they aim to help people appreciate the beauty and importance of astronomy and science in our lives.
Mr. Edwin Aguirre and Ms. Imelda Joson reflect on their inspiring journey, sharing how they embarked on the NAW 35 years ago from humble beginnings. (Photo: Screenshot from DOST-PAGASA’s Facebook live)
Mr. Edwin Aguirre and Ms. Imelda Joson, pioneers in Philippine astronomy, were celebrated for their contributions, including the naming of asteroid 6282 Edwelda after them. Their journey began 35 years ago with the proposal of National Astronomy Week (NAW), which was officially proclaimed by then-President Cory Aquino, running from April 16 to 22. Unlike many countries that have a single day of celebration, the Philippines dedicates an entire week to various astronomy activities, allowing for public lectures and exhibitions.
To share their passion, Aguirre and Joson collaborated with fellow astronomy enthusiasts to introduce the wonders of the night sky to students across public and private schools. Their ongoing efforts aim to inspire curiosity about the universe and educate future generations about the importance of science.
In 2022, they launched the Astronomy Experts series, which features talks from esteemed scientists and amateur astronomers through free online platforms, attracting participants from around the world. Ms. Imelda emphasizes the importance of using one's talents for the greater good, inspiring children to pursue their dreams, and highlighting that an interest in astronomy can ignite a passion for the sciences.
The DOST-PAGASA and PAS are mandated to spearhead the annual celebration of the NAW, observed every 3rd week of February under Presidential Proclamation No. 130, s. 1993.
The NAW festivities showcased how the vastness of space inspires creativity through paintings, sculptures, and other art forms. Participants also looked at how movies portray space and how these stories shape our view of the universe. Most importantly, the event highlighted how astronomy helps us understand and address climate change, linking the study of stars and planets to the future of our planet. Lastly, the discussions touched on how thinking about the universe can positively affect our mental well-being, offering a unique perspective on life.
DOST PAGASA and its participating societies for the NAW 2025 activities (Photo: DOST-PAGASA official Facebook page)
