200 STARBOOKS Units Installed in La Union Schools, Opening New Doors for Learners through Science and Technology

A brighter future for learning has begun in La Union as 200 elementary and high schools across the province received STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS) installations. This milestone was made possible through the joint efforts of the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), the DOST–Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), and the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of La Union (DepEd -LUSDO).

The three-day mass installation and deployment, held on August 18 to 20, 2025 at the DepEd Division Office Center in San Fernando City, marked a significant step towards making science, technology, and innovation-based knowledge more accessible to students and teachers even in schools where internet connectivity is a challenge.

Leading this landmark initiative was Mr. Justin N. Madrid, Project Leader of STARBOOKS in DOST Region 1, together with the dedicated DOST-STII STARBOOKS Team. The program opened with uplifting messages from education and science leaders, including:

• Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director, DOST Region 1

• Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, Regional Director, DepEd Region 1, represented by Dr. Emiliana M. Boac, Chief of School Governance and Operations Division

• Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization and OIC Director of DOST–STII, represented by Ms. Louella L. Pestaño, STARBOOKS Unit Head.

One of the highlights of the event was the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony between LUSDO, DOST-STII, and DOST La Union Provincial Director Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes. The MOA symbolizes not just a partnership, but a shared vision of continuously expanding access to quality learning resources across the province.

To ensure that schools can maximize the use of STARBOOKS, a hands-on training and orientation was conducted by Mr. Reynaldo Morales, Science Research Analyst of DOST-STII. The training gathered 284 participants composed of ICT coordinators and librarians (232 female and 52 male) who are now equipped to guide their schools in using STARBOOKS as a powerful learning tool.

The program concluded with a heartfelt message from Ms. Katrina Ronquillo, Provincial Focal Person of DOST La Union, delivered on behalf of Director Viernes. She emphasized the govareas andunwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide, especially for learners in far-flung areas, and highlighted how technology can serve as a great equalizer in education.

With STARBOOKS now installed in 200 schools, thousands of learners in La Union will soon have access to a wealth of digital resources ranging from science and technology journals, research papers, and e-learning materials to livelihood guides and interactive content. This initiative paves the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and knowledge-driven generation of learners who are better prepared to face the future.