𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓, 𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨, 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬

February 18, 2026

by DOST Batangas

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IV-A and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IV-A formalized their partnership for the deployment of the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) digital library at the Regional Haven for Women and Girls in Rosario, Batangas through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing held at South Park Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, February 16.

STARBOOKS, developed by the DOST–Science and Technology Information Institute, is a digital library that contains thousands of science and technology resources accessible even without internet connection. The platform aims to provide learners with access to scientific knowledge and references to support research, innovation, and continuous learning.

The deployment at the Regional Haven for Women and Girls seeks to support the center’s modular learning system by providing residents with access to educational and science-based materials that can supplement formal and non-formal learning activities.

Present during the MoA signing were DSWD IV-A Regional Director Mr. Barry R. Chua, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Ms. Mylah S. Gatchalian, Regional Center Coordinator Mr. Rodolfo Narciso Jr., Ms. Marivi Elnar of the Protective Services Division, and Ms. Lea M. Perez, Officer-in-Charge Center Head of the Regional Haven for Women and Girls. Representing DOST IV-A were Regional Director Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit and DOST-Batangas Provincial Director Ms. Felina C. Malabanan.

In his opening message, Regional Director Chua expressed appreciation to DOST for its support to the center’s educational initiatives. He emphasized that access to science and technology resources will help strengthen the rehabilitation and learning programs of the Haven and provide additional educational opportunities for its residents.

In her message, DOST IV-A Regional Director Bagsit emphasized the potential of STARBOOKS to add value to the rehabilitation and development programs of the center, including possible future initiatives related to livelihood, technology adoption, and skills enhancement. She also reaffirmed DOST’s commitment to support DSWD IV-A in advancing programs that promote knowledge access, capacity development, and inclusive opportunities for vulnerable sectors.

Installation of the STARBOOKS kiosk was carried out following the signing ceremony. DOST-Batangas will conduct a user orientation and training session at the Haven in Rosario, Batangas to maximize utilization of the platform. A separate site administrator training will also be provided to designated staff to ensure proper management and maintenance of the system.

The initiative forms part of the continuing collaboration between DOST and DSWD to expand access to science and technology information for vulnerable sectors through institutional partnerships.

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