"Bridging Knowledge Through Technology" — DOST-STARBOOKS Turnover Ceremony at Sta. Monica Academy

July 29, 2025

by DOST Cebu PSTO

In a significant stride towards democratizing access to education, the Sta. Monica Academy in Pinamungajan, Cebu welcomed a new era of digital learning with the official turnover of the STARBOOKS digital library, made possible through the generous donation of educational technology startup, CEREBRO.

During the turnover ceremony, Engr. Adrian D. Cruz, Supervising Science Research Specialist from DOST-VII, emphasized the pivotal role of sustainability through education. "What better way to take advantage of technology than through STARBOOKS," he noted, pointing out the growing comfort of students with smartphones and digital platforms. He concluded by expressing the region’s pride in seeing the digital library reach Sta. Monica Academy, commending CEREBRO's proactive efforts in supporting the initiative.

Mr. Justine Itugot, CEO of CEREBRO, shared the broader vision behind the partnership. This deployment marked the sixth nationwide for CEREBRO—and notably, the first in Region 7. With ambitious plans to install nine more STARBOOKS units in Cebu and twenty in Bohol, Itugot highlighted how CEREBRO, incubated at UST’s TBI and supported by various DOST arms like PCIEERD and TAPI, plays a key role in STARBOOKS’ promotion and deployment. “With 74 more deployments scheduled for this academic year, we aim to continuously enrich schools’ teaching resources,” Mr. Itugot stated.

Rounding out the event, Rev. Fr. Jerald Pinay, principal of Sta. Monica Academy, reflected on the impact this collaboration has on both the institution and its students. He noted that beyond supporting the school’s accreditation goals, STARBOOKS significantly broadens access to knowledge, empowering learners through this DOST and CEREBRO partnership.

The turnover of STARBOOKS is more than a donation—it’s a digital bridge to knowledge, unlocking new possibilities for both educators and students in Sta. Monica and beyond.