The Department of Science and Technology–Lanao Del Norte (DOST-LDN) recently handed over six (6) units of STARBOOKS Digital Library to three schools situated in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas or GIDA in the province.

STARBOOKS or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS, dubbed as the first Philippine S&T digital library, is a stand-alone information source designed to bring S&T information to the grassroots.

It aims to provide S&T-based educational and learning resources in various formats to geographically isolated schools and local government units throughout the country, as well as enhance the educational competence of students in beneficiary schools.

The Masibay Integrated School, Munai National High School, and Pelingkingan Integrated School received the STARBOOKS units during a ceremonial turnover at the Department of Education Division Office, Tubod, Lanao Del Norte.

The aforementioned schools have limited access to the internet, up-to-date textbooks, and reference materials because of their remote locations.

The activity is the agency’s response to fulfill the commitment stated in Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which aims to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and to take appropriate steps to make education accessible to all. This initiative is also a part of the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) Program for the province.

“This is DOST’s contribution to the government’s efforts in providing the much-needed services in the far-flung areas of the countryside. With STARBOOKS, we are hopeful that better access to science, technology, and innovation will be achieved,” said Gerrylou Sweet M. Pia, DOST-LDN Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program focal person.

STARBOOKS is one of the knowledge products of the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), one of the attached agencies of the department, that serves as the promotion and marketing arm of the DOST.

For more information on the various products and services of DOST-X, you may get in touch with Julie Anne H. Baculio, Science Research Specialist I at stpromotions@region10.dost.gov.ph or at mobile No. 0917-709-3706.