DOST, BPI turn over STARBOOKS, livelihood support to Cordillera schools, learning centers

June 17, 2026

by Rod G. Asurin

TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) – More than 1,200 learners, teachers, Alternative Learning System (ALS) beneficiaries, and community members across the region are expected to benefit from science-based learning resources and livelihood opportunities.

This following the turnover of STARBOOKS digital libraries and innovation-based livelihood packages to schools and learning centers in the region.

A total of 27 STARBOOKS packages were turned over by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) and BPI Foundation Inc., to various schools and community learning centers in Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

According to DOST-CAR, the STARBOOKS deployment will directly benefit an estimated 1,164 learners, teachers, and community members, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where internet access remains limited.

DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog said the initiative helps expand access to science and technology learning materials in underserved communities through partnerships that complement the agency’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program.

Bantog said STARBOOKS continues to serve as an important tool for delivering offline access to valuable science and technology resources.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. had said programs like STARBOOKS help bridge information gaps by bringing learning resources closer to learners, teachers, and communities.

Alongside the digital learning resources, DOST also turned over six science, technology, and innovation (STI)-based livelihood intervention packages intended to benefit an estimated 224 learners and community members.

The livelihood projects were distributed to selected schools and learning centers across the region, including a sewing and apparel production project in Pilar Rural High School in Abra; loom weaving and sewing in a community learning center in Pudtol, Apayao; urban smart agriculture in Benguet; hydroponics-based smart agriculture projects in Tinoc Central School in Ifugao and Macutay-Palao National High School in Kalinga, and a bread and pastry production project in a community learning center in Sabangan, Mountain Province.

DOST said this is the first time STI-based livelihood interventions are being implemented alongside STARBOOKS under the partnership with BPI Foundation.

BPI Foundation Associate Director Juvylyn S. Reniva said the initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

Reniva said the partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in expanding access to education, livelihood, and development opportunities.

The DOST-STII and BPI Foundation also deployed STARBOOKS units in selected schools in Ifugao, Benguet, and Mountain Province in 2025. The latest rollout expands coverage to more schools and learning centers across the Cordillera. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR with reports from DOST CAR)

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/dost-bpi-turn-over-starboo...