For a second run, the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) – Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) receives a generous donation of Php 2.1 million from BPI Foundation, Inc (BPIFI) through a turnover ceremony on 11 April 2024 at DOST-STII. This aims to bolster the STARBOOKS project by providing thirty (30) remote schools nationwide with a complete package of science, technology, and innovation (STI) learning materials.
The turnover ceremony was attended by key representatives from DOST-STII, headed by Director Richard P. Burgos, DOST-STII Information Resources and Analysis Division (IRAD) Chief Alan C. Taule, STARBOOKS Unit Head Marievic V. Narquita, BPIFI Associate Director Juvylyn S, Revina, BPIFI Program Manager Melanie P. Magbuhos, and BPIFI Program Coordinator Benrick M. Dulay. The event was also graced by the presence of DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun.
In his opening remarks, DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos expressed his gratitude for the continued partnership between BPI Foundation and DOST-STII, emphasizing the significance of public-private collaborations in driving meaningful change in education.
“I’m so happy to embark on the next chapter of our relationship with the BPI Foundation. This is a strong testament to public-private partnership,” said Dir. Burgos.
Dir. Burgos underscored the pivotal role of the STARBOOKS project in democratizing access to information, particularly in underserved areas. “STARBOOKS, really, is a digital solution to bridge the gap between those who access and those who do not have access to the information,” he continued.
Echoing Dir. Burgos’s sentiments, Usec. Sahagun extended her gratitude to BPI Foundation for its unwavering support in advancing science and technology education in remote communities.
“To BPI Foundation, our extreme gratitude for your generous donations of 2.1 million pesos to provide 30 complete STARBOOKS and newly bought computer sets to selected last-mile schools across the country. We are indeed very happy with this partnership as this serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment to enhance the learning experiences of all our STARBOOKS full beneficiaries in every region.”
Usec. Sahagun also thanked the BPI Foundation for its valuable addition to STARBOOKS database called “FinEd Unboxed”, which aims to promote financial literacy to level up the financial skills in the community.
STARBOOKS, a flagship program of DOST-STII, harnesses digital technology to provide students and educators in remote areas with comprehensive STI learning materials, thereby fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry.
Following its first donation of Php 700,000 in early 2023, this second run of donation from BPI Foundation, will allow thirty (30) remote schools across the Philippines to have access to the state-of-the-art learning resources, empowering students to explore and engage with the exciting world of science, technology, and innovation.
“This is really something that will really cement our partnership and you can rest assured that we will continue to be worthy of your trust in achieving our mutual goals and objectives for this project,” added IRAD Chief Taule.
The DOST-STII initially provided each STARBOOKS computer set donations for Alitagtag Senior High School and San Felipe Elementary School in Calabarzon. Other school beneficiaries of the BPI Foundation donations also include, Pantabangan West Integrated School, Dueg Resettlement Elementary School, Lauis National High School, Sto. Tomas National High School, San Jose Agricultural HIgh School, Agripino Armedilla National High School, San Agustin National Trade School, Pascual Catajay Linao National High School (PCLNHS), Balogo High School, Sorsogon Pilot Elementary School, Ansulag Elementary School, Nabataan Elementary School, Katiclan Elementary School, Tabunoc Elementary School, Tugas Elementary School, Catungawan Elementary School, Busay National High School, Cuyting Uy National High School, Hanginan Elementary School, Eugenio S. Daza Pilot Elementary School, Galutan National High School, Pulang Yuta Elementary School, Luntad Elementary School, Katualan Elementary School, P. Changco Elementary School, Magdum National High School, Dujali CES, and Cadalagan Elementary School.
“On behalf of DOST community, we humbly extend our sincerest gratitude by accepting these valuable resources, together with DOST, DOST-STII, and BPI Foundation, we reaffirm our commitment to providing free and accessible S&T-related information, furthering the advocacy of financial literacy, empowering individuals, institutions and communities with the essential knowledge and resources to advance scientific and technological education,” concluded Usec. Sahagun. (30)