{"id":1332,"date":"2025-05-19T10:41:16","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T10:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bantaybalita.com\/?p=1332"},"modified":"2025-05-19T10:41:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T10:41:17","slug":"dost-region-1-turns-over-starbooks-to-5-underserved-schools-in-ceremonial-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bantaybalita.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/19\/dost-region-1-turns-over-starbooks-to-5-underserved-schools-in-ceremonial-event\/","title":{"rendered":"DOST Region 1 Turns Over STARBOOKS to 5 Underserved Schools in Ceremonial Event"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sudipen, La Union<\/strong> \u2013 The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1<\/a>), in partnership with the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) and the BPI Foundation Inc., successfully concluded the STARBOOKS Turnover Ceremony held on April 23, 2025, at Duplas Elementary School in Sudipen, La Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gracing the event were Assistant Regional Director Racquel M. Espiritu, La Union Provincial Director Jonathan Viernes, OIC of DOST Ilocos Sur, Engr. Edison Acosta, along with STARBOOKS Regional and Focal Persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DOST Region 1 Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog opened the program with an inspiring message highlighting the role of digital transformation in advancing education, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Dr. Tabaog highlighted the importance of inclusivity in educational development and reaffirmed DOST\u2019s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind, regardless of their location. She was joined by Ms. Patricia Joy Ongkiko, Program Manager of BPI Foundation Inc., who expressed the Foundation\u2019s unwavering support for the STARBOOKS project. Ms. Ongkiko emphasized that their partnership with DOST is grounded in a shared vision of promoting equitable access to quality education. She reiterated BPI Foundation\u2019s advocacy for nation-building through education, and how their donation of computer sets\u2014each pre-installed with the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS)\u2014aims to spark curiosity, develop 21st-century skills, and open new opportunities for students in underserved communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony\u2019s highlight was the formal turnover of STARBOOKS<\/a> equipment\u2014including computer sets, kiosks, and Wi-Fi routers\u2014to five beneficiary schools across the region:<\/p>\n\n\n\n