KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) — The provincial office of the Department of Science and Technology in Cotabato Province urges organizations, particularly schools and local government units, to avail of its STARBOOKS technology to strengthen their learning modalities.
Hussein Derico, science research specialist at DOST-Cotabato, said the technology is very beneficial, especially to students and residents in far-flung areas where internet connection is a problem.
“Ang advantage nito, kahit hindi tayo online, para na po tayong nasa internet kasi halos lahat masi-search na natin,” Derico emphasized describing STARBOOKS technology as an e-library.
STARBOOKS, or the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) is a stand-alone information source containing hundreds of thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats. It aims to provide science, technology, and innovation (STI) content, particularly in areas with limited or no access to STI information.
For those who want to avail themselves of the technology, Derico said interested organizations may visit the provincial office of the DOST in Kidapawan City, specifically on the 2nd Floor of the Esperanza Building, Quezon Boulevard, in Barangay Poblacion.
He emphasized, however, that a letter of intent is necessary to obtain the technology.
This year, the DOST-Cotabato has already distributed 15 kiosks equipped with STARBOOKS technology to schools, conflict-affected barangays, and municipalities. Aside from this, over 50 STARBOOKS applications were already installed on the devices of beneficiary schools and local government units.
“DOST continues to distribute the technology simultaneously with the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program. This is not only to provide livelihood opportunities but also address the intellectual needs of the beneficiaries,” Derico said.
He added that the DOST, through the leadership of Regional Director Engr. Sammy Malawan and Provincial Director Michael Ty Mayo, is steadfast in bringing science and technology closer to the people. (PIA Cotabato Province)
