𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞–𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒, 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫

April 24, 2026

by DOST Ilocos Sur

The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), through its Ilocos Sur Provincial Office, formalized partnerships with the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) and the Municipality of Banayoyo on April 15, 2026, at ISPSC Main Campus in Candon City. The initiatives include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the STARBOOKS program and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, both aimed at expanding access to science and technology-driven solutions in education and local development.

The activity was led by Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, Assistant Regional Director Decth P. Libunao, and Provincial Director Jordan L. Abad, together with representatives from partner institutions, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration among DOST, academe, and local government units.

The program brought together key stakeholders from ISPSC, led by President Mario P. Obrero, along with faculty members, librarians, and representatives from its seven campuses. Also in attendance were Campus Director Mary Grace R. Navarro of the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS-IRC) in Ilocos Sur, as well as local government officials, including Mayor Alexander G. Galanga and Vice Mayor Oscar S. Gandalera Sr., reflecting strong support from the Municipality of Banayoyo.

In her welcome message, Dr. Sheryl Morata emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in advancing community development through science and technology. Regional Director Tabaog highlighted DOST’s commitment to bringing science-based solutions closer to communities and encouraged ISPSC to further expand its collaboration with the agency. She also noted Banayoyo’s potential to develop as a soybean-producing community through the CEST program.

Messages of support were delivered by Dr. Obrero and Dr. Navarro, who reaffirmed ISPSC’s commitment to strengthening educational access through STARBOOKS and related initiatives. Mayor Galanga expressed gratitude for the partnership, citing its long-term benefits for education and local development in Banayoyo.

Engr. Abad presented the CEST Banayoyo framework, outlining the specific roles of DOST, ISPSC, Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus, and the LGU of Banayoyo in implementing the program. This was followed by the ceremonial signing of the MOA, led by Dr. Tabaog, Dr. Navarro, Dr. Obrero, and Mayor Galanga, witnessed by ARD Libunao, Engr. Abad, and Vice Mayor Gandalera.

The STARBOOKS MOU signing followed, with ISPSC campus representatives committing to expanding access to digital science and technology resources. In the afternoon, training for STARBOOKS users and administrators was conducted by Mr. Roger C. Pido of DOST Ilocos Sur to help partners better use the system. The event ended with closing remarks from Mr. Buasen, who highlighted the importance of STARBOOKS in improving access to knowledge in academic institutions.

This initiative of DOST reflects the continued commitment to supporting communities and schools through science, technology, and innovation for inclusive growth in Ilocos Sur.

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