𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐩𝟑.𝟏𝐌 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐏𝐈 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐫𝐮𝐧

March 11, 2025

by Precious T. Biraquit | 📷 Rommel M. Azucena, Jr., STARBOOKS Unit

The Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) received Php 3.1 million worth of ICT equipment donations from the BPI Foundation, Inc. (BPIFI) in a turnover ceremony held at the DOST-STII Mini Theater on 11 March 2025.

Now on its third run, this partnership has selected 40 public schools throughout the archipelago to receive their respective Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS), the country’s first S&T digital library in a box.

Of this number, 35 will get a complete STARBOOKS package consisting of computer units, Wi-Fi routers, and kiosks, three (3) will have smart TVs, Wi-Fi routers, and tablet PCs, and two (2) will get a STARBOOKS package with school supplies.

On hand for the formal turnover were representatives from BPIFI led by Executive Director Ma. Carmina T. Marquez, BPIFI Associate Manager Juvylyn S. Reniva, and BPIFI Program Manager Melanie P. Magbuhos.

Meanwhile, DOST-STII was represented by Information Resources and Analysis Division Chief Alan C. Taule, Communication Resources and Production Division Chief Rodolfo P. De Guzman, and Finance and Administrative Division Chief Arlene E. Centeno.

DOST-STII and BPIFI’s active partnership has given out Php 700,000 and Php 2.1 million donations on the first and second runs, respectively.

In addition to the monetary donation, BPIFI shared a video series called “FinEd Unboxed,” a guide to greater financial literacy and investment savvy, to STARBOOKS.