DOST Region 1 Turns Over STARBOOKS to 5 Underserved Schools in Ceremonial Event

SUDIPEN, LA UNION – The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), in partnership with the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) and the BPI Foundation Inc., successfully concluded the STARBOOKS Turnover Ceremony held on April 23, 2025, at Duplas Elementary School in Sudipen, La Union.

Gracing the event were Assistant Regional Director Racquel M. Espiritu, La Union Provincial Director Jonathan Viernes, OIC of DOST Ilocos Sur, Engr. Edison Acosta, along with STARBOOKS Regional and Focal Persons.

DOST Region 1 Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog opened the program with an inspiring message highlighting the role of digital transformation in advancing education, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Dr. Tabaog highlighted the importance of inclusivity in educational development and reaffirmed DOST’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, regardless of their location. She was joined by Ms. Patricia Joy Ongkiko, Program Manager of BPI Foundation Inc., who expressed the Foundation’s unwavering support for the STARBOOKS project. Ms. Ongkiko emphasized that their partnership with DOST is grounded in a shared vision of promoting equitable access to quality education. She reiterated BPI Foundation’s advocacy for nation-building through education, and how their donation of computer sets—each pre-installed with the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS)—aims to spark curiosity, develop 21st-century skills, and open new opportunities for students in underserved communities.

The ceremony’s highlight was the formal turnover of STARBOOKS equipment—including computer sets, kiosks, and Wi-Fi routers—to five beneficiary schools across the region:

• Agaga Elementary School – Burgos, Ilocos Norte

• Rosario Elementary School – Cervantes, Ilocos Sur

• Duplas Elementary School – Sudipen, La Union

• Kabayabasan Elementary School – San Nicolas, Pangasinan

• Binmaley School of Fisheries – Binmaley, Pangasinan

Each recipient school expressed gratitude through heartfelt acceptance messages, acknowledging the support from DOST-STII, DOST Region 1, and BPI Foundation Inc. for their shared vision of promoting equitable access to educational resources.

Assistant Regional Director Racquel M. Espiritu delivered a rousing closing message, urging the schools to maximize these tools to spark curiosity, foster innovation, and instill a passion for lifelong learning among students.

This initiative underscores DOST’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusive, quality education through accessible, offline digital science and technology content in underserved communities. (Mary Ann B. Ofiana)