CITY OF TABUK,Kalinga(PIA)–Teachers and school children of Suyang village in Tabuk City can now access a host of learning materials and resources even without an internet connection through STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
DOST-Cordillera regional director Nancy A. Bantog, assistant regional director Maria Rowena Madarang, and DOST-Kalinga head Dexy Catacutan led the turnover of the STARBOOKS unit on May 23, 2024 during the agency’s corporate social responsibility event in Suyang.
The provision of STARBOOKS units aims to improve basic education in rural communities, especially those that lack internet access.
Engr. Karl Ian O. Martinez of DOST-Kalinga explained that the STARBOOKS provides an array of learning materials including texts and videos suitable for kindergarten up to high school. It is a digitized version of the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute Library with its vast collection of educational resources.
The digital library primarily benefits 63 pupils and the teachers of Suyang Elementary School.
Teacher Claire Basitao said this is huge help in teaching and engaging their pupils.
“Nagdakkel ti tulong na kanyami lalong-lalo na kanyami nga teachers tapnu isu ti usaren mi nga pag-researchan ti lessons para kadagiyay ubbing,” she said.
“Dakkel ti yaman mi ta kailangang-kailangan mi daytuy para tatta nga panawen para kadagiti ubbing tapnu haan da maboring iti eskwela,” Basitao added.
A total of 350 STARBOOKS units have so far been deployed to schools across Kalinga, said Martinez.(JDP/IOS-PIA Kalinga)
