𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬’𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨

October 17, 2025

by DOST XII - Cotabato Provincial Office

During the recent visit of DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN has significantly advanced its mission to extend the reach of science and technology (S&T) information by successfully turning over 50 units of Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (DOST-STARBOOKS) to beneficiaries across North Cotabato Province.

Following the turnover, the DOST SOCCSKSARGEN conducted a STARBOOKS Orientation and Users’ Training on October 17, 2025, held at the USMARC Auditorium, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.

The training was essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the digital kiosks. Mr. Benjie T. Francisco, DOST XII Regional Deployment Officer, led the discussion, providing a detailed overview of the STARBOOKS' functions, features, and optimal use. He emphasized its capacity as a standalone digital library, which can function without an internet connection, making it ideal for schools and communities with limited online access.

A key part of the day's event included the distribution of the remaining deliverables to complete the STARBOOKS set for each of the beneficiaries. This ensured that all recipients received fully operational and ready-to-use digital libraries.

Under the guidance of Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, through Provincial Director Michael T. Mayo, DOST XII championed the program’s core objective: to spread S&T knowledge and bridge the digital divide. By placing these advanced information kiosks in strategic locations, particularly in schools and LGUs, the DOST is directly investing in the intellectual capital and future development of the SOCCSKSARGEN region.

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