STARBOOKS NEWS
DOST’s ‘Starbooks’ brings digital learning to remote schools
July 28, 2025
by Pia Lorraine Francisco
ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) —The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Capiz Provincial Science and Technology Office (PTSO) brought digital learning through Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk System (STARBOOKS) to remote schools in Capiz.
Capiz PTSO Project Technical Assistant Princess Mae Bautista said that the Sinamongan Integrated School in Pilar town and Pagbunitan Elementary School in Sigma town are the recent beneficiaries of the STARBOOKS digital kiosks and vital learning equipment from the Department of Science and Technology Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), DOST Western Visayas, and BPI Foundation, Inc.
Bautista added that STARBOOKS is a stand-alone digital library that provides thousands of curated science and technology resources without the need for internet connectivity.
She emphasized that although the project has expanded online and now has a mobile version, the digital science library is still offline-based and has less content than its offline counterpart.
To support the project implementation, the DOST Western Visayas also turned over desktop computers, tablets, printers, scanners, tables, and chairs for the schools to help establish a more conducive learning environment for both students and teachers.
Capiz PSTO director Juafe Abareles highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening education.
“The project reflects the strong partnership between the government and private sector in promoting innovations at the grassroots level,” she noted.
Department of Education (DepEd) Capiz Schools Division Superintendent Roel Bermejo expressed gratitude to the donors and emphasized DepEd’s mission to provide inclusive and equitable quality education.
Bautista stated that by providing better access to digital content and learning tools, STARBOOKS helps close the digital gap and promote STEM learning.
“The combined support for educational technology and teacher training ensures that learners in these communities are better prepared to explore, discover, and thrive in a knowledge-driven world,” she added. (AGP/PLF/PIA Capiz)
