𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐔𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭

October 24, 2025

by Department of Science and Technology VII

Following the successful STARBOOKS turnover ceremonies at Sirao Integrated School and Babag Integrated School, the Department of Science and Technology Region VII (DOST VII), together with the Department of Science and Technology–Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST–STII), in partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation, Inc., conducted the second leg of the STARBOOKS ceremonial turnover at Taptap Integrated School on October 24, 2025.

This event marked the second venue (2/2) of the STARBOOKS Ceremonial Turnover initiative, which aims to empower learners in upland areas of Cebu City through access to digital science and technology information, even without internet connectivity.

This initiative aims to empower learners in upland areas of Cebu City through access to digital science and technology information—even without internet connectivity.

Mr. Benjie Vargas Paragsa, Principal of Taptap Integrated School, expressed his gratitude, noting that “STARBOOKS is a vital tool in shaping our learners’ future.”

Mr. Geronimo G. Tores, Program Manager of BPI Foundation, recognized the dedication of educators and shared BPI Foundation’s advocacy of Explore, Discover, Learn (EDL)—a call to nurture curiosity and lifelong learning.

Dr. Bryan B. Ybañez, Provincial Director of DOST–PSTO Cebu, lauded the integration of high-level technology in education. “Our students are the future of the country, and our teachers are our heroes. With STARBOOKS, access to information is now easier, even without an internet connection. It supports teachers in lesson planning and enhances classroom learning.”

The event featured the signing of the Deed of Donation, distribution of school supplies from BPI Foundation, and a STARBOOKS User Training led by Mr. Reynaldo A. Morales Jr. of DOST-STII.

Through this continued collaboration, DOST–STII, BPI Foundation, and DOST VII reaffirm their commitment to promoting inclusive, technology-based education and advancing digital empowerment in Cebu City’s upland communities.

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