MOST distributes digital science libraries to Lanao Sur schools

June 12, 2026

by Michaella S. Aguilar

MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the Bangsamoro region distributed Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) units to eight secondary schools in Lanao del Sur, on June 4, to expand access to science and technology learning resources.

STARBOOKS is a stand-alone digital library containing science and technology resources in text, audio, and video formats. The platform can be accessed without an internet connection, making it available to schools in areas with limited connectivity.

Dr. Rocaya G. Edres, chief of the Science, Education, Scholarship, and Grants Division of MOST, said the platform gives learners access to information across various fields, including science, technology, agriculture, health, and engineering.

“STARBOOKS is more than a digital library. It is a doorway to opportunities, discoveries, and lifelong learning. Through this platform, our students can explore science, technology, agriculture, health, engineering, and many other fields that can help shape a stronger Bangsamoro future,” she said.

Edres said access to information remains a challenge in some communities, making alternative learning resources important for students and teachers.

“Through the STARBOOKS program, we are bringing science and technology closer to our people, especially to our learners in areas where access to information and learning resources remains limited,” she added.

The recipient schools are Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marantao Community High School, MSU-Siyawadatu Community High School, MSU-Malabang Community High School, MSU-Binidayan Community High School, MSU-Tamparan Community High School, MSU-Taraka Community High School, MSU-Marawi Senior High School, and Lakitan National High School.

Dr. Samsia Paitao-Dumrang, MSU assistant vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, thanked MOST for providing STARBOOKS units to several MSU community high schools in Lanao del Sur.

She said the digital libraries would support both learners and teachers by providing access to educational materials for use inside and outside the classroom.

“For our students, STARBOOKS will serve as a window to a wider world of learning. For our teachers, it will be a valuable tool in enriching classroom instruction. And for our communities, it is a reminder that every learner deserves access to quality educational resources regardless of location,” Paitao-Dumrang said.

Hanifa S. Guro, principal of MSU Marantao Community High School, said STARBOOKS would allow students and teachers to access educational resources even without internet connectivity.

She thanked MOST-BARMM for providing the unit to the school. “Thank you, MOST-BARMM, for bridging the digital divide and investing in inclusive, quality education. We commit to maximizing STARBOOKS in our classrooms and nurturing a culture of curiosity and innovation,” Guro said.

To date, MOST has turned over 22 STARBOOKS units to schools in Lanao del Sur. (MSA/PIA-10Lanao del Sur)

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/most-distributes-digital-s...