CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — Twenty eight Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) were already installed in Oriental Mindoro by the Department of Science and Technology from 2022 to 2024.
DOST MIMAROPA Regional Director Ma. Josefina Abilay said the program’s goal is to improve the educational landscape, particularly in underserved areas, by providing access to a wide array of educational resources that are typically unavailable in remote communities.
“Beyond addressing basic needs, our Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) initiatives for human well-being also focus on shaping the future through science education,” Abilay said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on March 25.
She added that the program is essential in empowering local communities, especially those in hard-to-reach areas by providing tools that enhance learning and skills development.
STARBOOKS, often referred to as the “library-in-a-box,” provides offline access to an extensive collection of educational materials.
These include interactive Mathematics and Science courseware, disaster mitigation information, livelihood technology videos, DOST publications and other learning resources in various formats such as text, audio and video.
Abilay said that STARBOOKS effectively addresses the digital divide that many communities face, ensuring that learners in remote and underserved areas can access quality educational content thru these resources without requiring an internet connection.
“Tinitiyak ng Starbooks na ang mga mag-aaral sa mga malalayong lugar at hindi naaabot ng access sa quality education ay makakagamit ng mga resources na ‘to kahit na walang internet connectivity,” she added.
The initiative not only supports students but also aids teachers and local entrepreneurs. Educators can use the content for lesson planning, while entrepreneurs can benefit from livelihood technology videos, gaining practical knowledge to improve their businesses or start new ventures, the DOST official said.
Meanwhile, DOST MIMAROPA vows to promote inclusive access to quality education and empower communities through science and technology, citing that the STARBOOKS program will help create a more equitable educational environment and offer new opportunities for learning, growth, and development across the region. (JRR-OJT/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
