𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦&𝗧 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗶

March 24, 2026

by 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘦 𝘌. 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘻

The Department of Science and Technology Pangasinan (DOST Pangasinan) awarded four (4) computer sets equipped with the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk (STARBOOKS) to selected schools and a public library in the Municipality of Bani, Pangasinan on March 19, 2026, at the Conference Hall. The initiative forms part of the continuing implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

The activity opened with a welcome message from Mayor Facundo O. Palafox Jr., who expressed strong support for initiatives that expand access to quality education through technology. Messages of support from Principals Arlyne L. Cucal, Arlene A. Corpuz, and Mary Grace V. Suyat, who highlighted the importance of integrating STARBOOKS into teaching and learning to improve students’ access to reliable educational resources.

Developed by the DOST–Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), STARBOOKS is a stand-alone digital library that offers a wide range of science and technology resources, making it especially useful for schools and communities with limited internet connectivity.

Beneficiaries of the deployment include Banog Norte Elementary School, Bani West Central School, Bani East Integrated School, and the Bani Municipal Library.

The activity also featured the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Deed of Acceptance, followed by the formal turnover of computer sets to the beneficiary institutions.

To support effective utilization, a User’s Orientation and Admin Training was conducted for educators, school administrators, and students. The session, facilitated by Mr. Edward E. Ugale, Science Research Specialist I, and Mr. Geamboy D. Morata, Project Technical Assistant I of DOST Pangasinan, focused on the proper operation and management of the system. A total of 35 participants attended the training.

Through initiatives like STARBOOKS, DOST continues to promote inclusive and technology-enabled education across communities.

#DOSTOneSCIGLAT #OneDOST4U #DOSTIlocosRegion #SolutionsAndOpportunitiesForAll #ScienceForThePeople #dostPH