𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲 📖 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦!⭐️

July 16, 2025

by Julie Ann De Guzman

“This recognition is our way of conveying our deep appreciation for your immense hard work in bringing this 'digital library in a box' throughout the farthest, most remote reaches of the country.” — Asec. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., PhD, Officer‑in‑Charge, DOST‑STII

On June 24, 2025, the ABS-CBN Foundation Programa Genio was honored at the Department of Science and Technology–Science and Technology Information Institute’s (DOST-STII) STARBOOKS Stakeholders’ Appreciation Day, held at the Kalayaan Hall in SM Aura, Taguig City.

The event recognized key partners, collaborators, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to expand the reach of STARBOOKS, the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk System. This is a pioneering digital library in a box that provides free access to valuable science, technology, and innovation resources even in the most remote areas of the country.

Through its ever-dedicated partnership with Programa Genio, led by Program Head Maricar B. Estole, STARBOOKS has been successfully installed in 173 schools across the divisions of Sorsogon City, Romblon, and Capiz. The initiative is set to expand to an additional 43 schools in Antique and the Province of Sorsogon — communities where access to books and online resources is still a challenge, leaving many learners with fewer tools to explore their full potential in today’s digital age.

The work continues, and so does the impact! To every teacher, learner, and community this program touches: we see you. This recognition is a reminder of what matters most: delivering possibilities, bridging gaps, and ensuring that no learner is ever too far to uplift.