Expanding Educational Opportunities in Region VIII with the Deployment of STARBOOKS

August 1, 2024

by DOST Regional Office No. VIII

Six (6) STARBOOKS were successfully handed over today to their recipient schools in the region. The turnover ceremony was held at Luntad Elementary School in Palo, Leyte, wherein the recipient schools are as follows:

1. Luntad Elementary School Palo, Leyte

2. Pulang Yuta Elementary School Caibiran, Biliran

3. Hanginan Elementary School, Maasin City, Southern Leyte

4. Cuyting Uy National High School, Jiabong, Samar

5. Eugenio S. Daza Pilot Elementary School, Borongan City, Eastern Samar and

6. Galutan National High School, Catarman, Northern Samar.

STARBOOKS, which stands for Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS, is a digital library designed to provide access to Science and Technology (S&T) resources, especially for those schools located in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

The DOST-STII conducted the comprehensive STARBOOKS User Training and Orientation for the teachers of the recipient schools to ensure that they are well-prepared to effectively use the new resources and integrate them into their teaching practices. In addition, BPI Foundation pledged its full support to the STARBOOKS initiative, advocating for a brighter future for everyone under the slogan “Kasama lahat sa pag-unlad.”

This successful turnover was made possible through the partnership of the Department of Science and Technology Region VIII through the efforts of the MIS Unit Head, Engr. Florentino L. Quiñones, with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd), DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Palo, and the Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) across Region VIII.

The activity also received notable support from the Municipality of Palo, Leyte with the presence of its active Mayor, Hon. Remedios “Matin” L. Petilla; the Schools Division Superintendents of Tacloban City and Borongan City, Dr. Mariz S. Magan and Dr. Edgar Tenasas, respectively; the Provincial S&T Directors, Dr. Evelyn B. Tablante of PSTO Samar, Engr. Veronica A. Laguitan of PSTO Northern Samar, OIC-PSTD of Leyte, Mr. Roderick B. Pacañot, OIC-PSTD of Southern Leyte, Mr. Emmanuel E. Lagdamen; representatives from PSTO Biliran, Ms. Gracevillalyn R. Saldo, and from PSTO E. Samar, Engr. Michaela Padagdag; as well as teachers from all the recipient schools.

Represented by Mr. Pacañot, DOST VIII Regional Director, Dr. John Glenn Ocaña emphasized that STARBOOKS represents a significant investment in knowledge. He highlighted that STARBOOKS provides access to a wide range of educational resources, which not only enhances students' academic performance but also drives socio-economic progress in the region.

DepEd hopes the initiative will continue, leading to all schools in the region eventually acquiring STARBOOKS. They believe this collaboration will foster educational advancement and significantly contribute to the development of students throughout the region, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

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