Two days before Christmas, I received great news from theoretical physicist Dr. Christopher C. Bernido. They are launching the Philippines’ first-ever Radio JOVE-based radio astronomy observation station.
Radio JOVE is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)–supported education and outreach initiative.
CVIF Tunes in to the Cosmos
With funding support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through a Php 2.4-million grant from DOST–Bohol, the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) will establish the first Radio JOVE-based radio astronomy observation station in the Philippines.
The project will enable CVIF researchers and students to detect radio signals from the Sun and Jupiter, including solar flares and planetary radio bursts, phenomena essential to understanding space weather and its impact on communications, navigation, and disaster preparedness. This will also mark the country’s first local documentation of such radio observations under Philippine atmospheric conditions.
According to DOST, the project will be complemented by access to the SkyNet Robotic Telescope Network, a global system of fully automated telescopes that will enable optical studies such as exoplanet research. Data from local and international sources will be analyzed using stochastic white noise analysis to uncover hidden patterns.
Beyond research, DOST emphasized education and public engagement. CVIF will develop Learning Activity Sheets under its Dynamic Learning Program, supported by hands-on workshops and telescope demonstrations. These materials will be freely available on the CVIF website.
I previously wrote that in 2010, Dr. Christopher C. Bernido and his late wife Dr. Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s premier prize and highest honor, “for their purposeful commitment to both science and nation, ensuring innovative, low-cost, and effective basic education even under Philippine conditions of great scarcity and daunting poverty.”
Alongside this initiative, the Research Center for Theoretical Physics, Central Visayan Institute Foundation (RCTP-CVIF), in partnership with the Philippine Space Agency, will hold the 2nd Jagna Space Encounters, titled From the Ionosphere to the Cosmos. Led by RCTP-CVIF Head and theoretical physicist Dr. Christopher C. Bernido, the workshop will be held from January 8 to 10, 2026, at the CVIF Multipurpose Hall in Jagna, Bohol. The event is sponsored by DOST Region VII and the Samahang Pisika ng Visayas at Mindanao.
Astronomy’s Rockstar
I remember a conversation with a good friend, Professor Jun Cajigal of San Beda University, founder of the Bedan Society of Young Astronomers and the Skywatchers Society of Las Piñas.
“Back in the day, I would climb to the roof of our house, look up, and marvel at the beauty of the heavens,” shared Prof. Cajigal, who is also known for his educational online podcast, The Science Guy TV Ka Spacer’s Channel.
Together with his team of astronomy enthusiasts, Prof. Cajigal regularly conducts free telescope viewing sessions and public forums across Metro Manila. Like many others, it was during one of these sessions that I first saw the Moon and Saturn through a telescope.
One For Children
Years ago, Prof. Cajigal also organized a benefit stargazing event, featuring the Moon, stars, and planets, for children supported by global child-focused nonprofit World Vision Philippines.
That was the closest my admittedly crazy idea of naming stars after child sponsors ever came to becoming a reality. Thankfully, World Vision’s marketing dream team, Precious Basco, Cherry Valencia, and Wish Cruz, knew better and could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
For many Christmases now, thousands of World Vision–supported children and their families across the country have received Noche Buena gifts from their sponsors.
One of their social media posts read, “We were blessed to be joined by our amazing sponsors who made this day extra special. From fun games to heartfelt Christmas card presentations, and of course, the gift distribution itself, it was a meaningful time of hope, joy, and togetherness.”
Dr. Harvey Q. Carpio, World Vision’s National Director, said, “Noche Buena is more than food on the table; it is the warmth of family, the joy of children’s laughter, and the reminder that hope is best shared together. For World Vision, this celebration is also a symbol of our hope for every child: that they may experience love, dignity, and the joy of Christmas, no matter their circumstance.”
Celebrate Christmas and the New Year by giving a gift that lasts. Sponsor a child now: https://www.worldvision.org.ph/gift-hope-sponsor-a-child/sponsor-now/
