𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹

June 23, 2025

by DOST-CAR

The Department of Science and Technology - Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) with PSTO Benguet brought Project Smiles and Treats for All Beyond Reach (STAR) at Gaswiling Integrated School in Kapangan, Benguet on June 23, 2025.

Project STAR, according to Ms. Maria Rowena C. Madarang, DOST-CAR Assistant Regional Director-FAS, is an annual corporate social responsibility initiative, that promotes and brings DOST-CAR services in remote areas across the region's provinces.

As part of this collaboration, the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LTVTPMC) donated a computer set and printer, while DOST-CAR installed STARBOOKS, a science digital learning resources that can be operated without internet.

Engr. Jimmy Atayoc, LTVTPMC BOD Chairperson, highlighted cooperative programs for potential future development projects with the school.

Moreover, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog emphasized the importance of education, stating, “Education is the equalizer of poverty." She hopes these activities will spark students' interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). RD Bantog added that this event marks the beginning of more collaborative initiatives.

Dr. Sonia Dupagan, Education Program Supervisor of DepEd-Division of Benguet, expressed gratitude to the donors and affirmed their commitment to monitoring STARBOOKS usage. Also, Mr. Euresty Jason Canuto, representing Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin, also thanked stakeholders, acknowledging the need for collaborative efforts in municipal educational development.

Meanwhile, DOST-CAR staff and some private donors contributed personal funds for the school supplies distributed to approximately 124 students.

In addition to the learning resources and school supplies provided, science learning activities and DOST scholarship program promotion were conducted.//PSTO-Benguet; JE Agno

Photo Credits to PSTO-Benguet

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