#DOSTRizalNews: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐃𝐋𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐉𝐌𝐏 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

May 9, 2026

by DOST Rizal

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Rizal entered into a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to deploy the first STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS) unit tailored specifically for a female dormitory through ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, May 6.

Jail Chief Inspector Atty. Jessela L. Tariman of Antipolo City Jail Female Dormitory, welcomed the DOST personnel and highlighted how the digital library will serve as a vital tool for personal development and rehabilitation within the facility. On the other hand, Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, Officer-in-Charge of DOST PSTO Rizal, presented a briefer on the STARBOOKS system, emphasizing the different science and technology modules and instructional livelihood videos, expanding educational opportunities as part of the holistic rehabilitation process for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

To properly introduce the platform, a short audio-visual presentation on the history of STARBOOKS was played, followed by a presentation on the next steps for installation and user capacity-development training delivered by Ms. Arthea Marie M. Genova, STARBOOKS focal of PSTO Rizal. She also mentioned that even jail officers may utilize this technology for their advanced studies, and the livelihood technology and instructional videos may be used for the PDLs' activities. The initial deployment is set to benefit 72 female PDLs and 26 jail officers.

OIC Libao further highlighted the specific groups that will benefit from the deployment, noting that the kiosk will serve as a valuable educational resource for individuals studying under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the children of PDLs, and those looking to develop new livelihood skills for their families.

Speaking on the broader vision of the initiative, former OIC Ms. Una Grace M. Dollete noted, "we want to remove the stigma of interacting with PDLs and be engaged with science and technology while ongoing their rehabilitation program." Through these digital resources, DOST aims to provide inclusive interventions for the marginalized sector, empowering institutionalized individuals to continue their personal growth.

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