𝐁𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐏𝐈 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐜. 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓

June 3, 2025

by DOST PSTO Batanes

Basco, Batanes — Two (2) schools in Batanes are now equipped with cutting-edge learning tools through the recent deployment of STARBOOKS-ready computer units from the Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) and BPI Foundation, Inc. (BPIFI).

A formal turnover ceremony and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was held on June 3, 2025, at the Batanes National Science High School (BNSHS) and Valugan Integrated School in Basco, marking a significant milestone in promoting accessible and inclusive education in the province.

The event was attended by faculty, staff, students, and PTA members from the schools, as well as representatives from the local community, highlighting the collective support for advancing science and technology learning in remote areas.

This initiative forms part of BPI Foundation’s "𝑲𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝑳𝒂𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒂 𝑷𝒂𝒈-𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒅" program, a flagship advocacy that aims to strengthen a sustainable, inclusive, and financially literate Philippines. In addition, DOST-STII continues its mission to bridge the digital and knowledge divide through STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station) — a digital library designed to bring S&T information to areas with limited or no internet connectivity.

The turnover was graced by BPIFI Associate Director Juvylyn Reniva, Program Manager Melanie Magbuhos, and Program Coordinator Carmela Fajardo. Representing DOST-STII were STARBOOKS team members Reynaldo A. Morales, Jr. and Rommel Azucena Jr., who introduced the features and benefits of the technology to school personnel.

The STARBOOKS units were formally accepted by Mr. Jeffrey D. Medina, Principal of BNSHS, and Mr. Roldan Ramos, Principal of Valugan Integrated School. Both expressed their gratitude for the valuable educational resource and shared their enthusiasm for integrating STARBOOKS into their school’s learning environment.

Provincial Science and Technology Director Nora T. Garcia of DOST PSTO-Batanes reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting local schools. She reiterated that our goal is to continue supporting our learners and teachers by bringing more science and technology resources closer to them, and hope to reach more communities across the province.

With STARBOOKS now accessible to students and teachers in BNSHS and Valugan Integrated School, this partnership takes a leap orward in ensuring that quality science learning is within reach—even in the country’s most remote islands.

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