STARBOOKS NEWS
๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐
September 10, 2025
by DOST 1 - Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 1
The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1) continues to expand access to knowledge as the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) reaches more communities in Region 1.
Featured in the recent episode of Tekno Presensya in partnership with DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo, Ms. Mary Ann B. Ofiana, STARBOOKS Region 1 Focal Person, highlighted the importance of the program in bridging the information gap in remote and geographically areas.
STARBOOKS is the countryโs first digital โLibrary-in-a-Box,โ a stand-alone information source designed to provide access to thousands of science, technology, and innovation (STI) resources. It was developed by DOST Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) to serve communities with little or lack of internet connectivity. Some of its contents are thousands of digitized science and technology resources, including interactive lessons, educational videos, storybooks, livelihood guides, and research materials aligned with Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) curricula. This makes it a vital resource for students, teachers, researchers, and communities who face difficulties because of limited internet access.
With STARBOOKS, the beneficiaries can access a wide collection of educational materialsโfrom interactive science and math resources, livelihood and health information, storybooks, video lectures, and research publicationsโall available offline.
9, 747 STARBOOKS sites have been installed nationwide, including schools, libraries, LGUs, NGOs, and community learning centers. In Region 1, STARBOOKS has reached even the most geographically isolated barangays. Through DOST provincial offices, deployment officers transported across rivers and mountainsโequipped with computers, routers, solar panels, and other tools to ensure accessibility.
โThrough STARBOOKS, we are bringing science and technology closer to the grassroots, to every barangay of the Philippines. It provides opportunities for learning and development, especially in far-flung communities where internet access remains a challenge,โ Ms. Ofiana emphasized during the interview.
Ms. Ofiana said that the interested schools, libraries, and local institutions in Region 1 may avail STARBOOKS free of charge by coordinating with the DOST Regional office. The office also provides free training and orientation for designated focal persons to ensure the sustainability of the project.
The initiative continuously benefited schools, libraries, LGUs, and learning centers across the region, especially the local communities. DOST Region 1, STARBOOKS further extends their efforts to provide an effective tool in empowering learners, enhancing teaching strategies, and supporting communities through relevant and accessible S&T information across the region.
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