𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐬

October 22, 2025

by DOST XII - Department of Science and Technology - Region XII

In its continuing mission to make “Agham na Ramdam” — science that is felt and lived — the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – SOCCSKSARGEN brings the power of knowledge closer to the hearts of learners in Sarangani Province through the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS).

A total of 25 STARBOOKS units were provided to selected Madrasahs across the province, opening a digital gateway to science, technology, and innovation (STI) resources even in areas where internet connectivity remains a challenge.

To ensure meaningful use and sustainability of these digital libraries, the STARBOOKS Orientation and Technical Training was conducted by the DOST SOCCSKSARGEN led by Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan through the Provincial Science and Technology Office – Sarangani and General Santos City (PSTO SarGen) headed by Provincial Director Ms. Babai K. Tagitican.

During the training, participants were equipped with essential skills on the installation, configuration, and utilization of STARBOOKS. DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Deployment Officer, Mr. Benjie Francisco, as the technical resource person, guided the attendees through hands-on sessions covering system setup, troubleshooting, and user management, ensuring that every Madrasah representative left ready to operate their own hub of learning.

Beyond technology, this initiative is a reflection of DOST SOCCSKSARGEN’s commitment to inclusive education – ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age. Through STARBOOKS, students and teachers in Madrasahs gain access to thousands of curated S&T resources, empowering them to explore, discover, and innovate even without the internet.

By lighting up classrooms with digital knowledge, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN continues to bridge worlds through science, nurturing curiosity, and inspiring a generation of learners who see science not as a distant concept, but as a living, empowering force within their reach.

DOST Philippines

DOST - Regional Operations

DOST XII -Sarangani Province and General Santos City Office

Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology

Community Empowerment through Science & Technology- Region XII

DOST-STARBOOKS

#OneDOST4U #SolutionsAndOpportunitiesforAll #AghamnaRamdam