The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XII has made a significant impact on the local community by providing a complete set of STARBOOKS to another Madrasa Islamic School in the municipality. This gift of knowledge, complete with a PC server, Wi-Fi router, and computer table, is part of the DOST-STARBOOKS initiative, a program aimed at providing science and technology-based educational resources to schools and LGUs in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒?
STARBOOKS, or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS developed by DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute, is the first digital science library in the Philippines. This standalone information source serves as an alternative to traditional classroom instruction for people who have limited or no access to the internet. It provides science and technology-based educational resources in various formats to support the DOST mission to promote public interest in science and technology.
The STARBOOKS initiative was brought to life through the efforts of DOST XII Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan and the DOST Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) project. This project’s goal is to facilitate public access to science and technology information, thereby promoting literacy and empowerment in the field.
𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲
In addition to providing the Madrasa Islamic School and the LGU of Kabacan with STARBOOKS sets, the DOST Team also conducted STARBOOKS super users training sessions for both organizations. The Madrasah Pedtamanan Al-Arabie Al-Islamie was represented by seven Ustadz, including its principal, Mr. Camaludin K. Pedtamanan, and the LGU was represented by its employees and staff.
The STARBOOKS training sessions aim to equip the recipients with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize the digital library and maximize its benefits. With the STARBOOKS sets and the training provided, the Madrasa Islamic School and the LGU of Kabacan can now offer their students and constituents access to science and technology resources that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲
The STARBOOKS initiative is a testament to DOST’s commitment to its mantra, “One DOST for You” and to everyone. The provision of STARBOOKS sets to the Madrasa Islamic School and the LGU of Kabacan is another step towards realizing the goal of science and technology for all. By providing access to educational resources, DOST and the LGU are empowering the community to explore new knowledge and improve their lives through science and technology.
The STARBOOKS initiative is a promising and necessary step towards promoting science and technology literacy and empowerment in the Philippines. With programs like STARBOOKS, the DOST, and its partners are bringing science and technology to the people, bridging the gap between knowledge and access, and providing the community with the resources they need to access information.
#OneDOST4U DOST – Regional Operations DOST Philippines PIA Cotabato Province Philippine Information Agency