
THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON, through its Provincial Science and Technology (PSTO) Rizal, is equipping Baras National High School (NHS) with the cutting-edge Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) program!
On January 14th, a comprehensive orientation was held for both students and faculty, following the successful STARBOOKS installation at Baras NHS last November 5th. Dr. Rhene Boy F. Brozo, Principal I of Baras NHS, lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance student learning and bolster the school’s overall performance. Dir. Fernando E. Ablaza, Provincial S&T Director of DOST-PSTO Rizal, emphasized STARBOOKS’ role as a technological advancement for public benefit, providing free and accessible supplementary learning resources.

Ms. Arthea Marie M. Genova, Project Technical Aide IV and Alternate Provincial STARBOOKS Focal, provided a comprehensive overview of STARBOOKS, outlining its history, objectives, and achievements, including its inclusion for the ninth consecutive year in the National Priority Plan (NPP) for both academic institutions and local government units (LGUs). Ms. Jennefer Jeazon P. Medina, Science Research Specialist II and Provincial STARBOOKS Deployment Officer, then guided theparticipants in navigating the STARBOOKS Offline platform using their mobile devices within the school’s Wi-Fi zone. This was made possible through the installed router, which enabled individual and wider access of STARBOOKS in the campus vicinity.
After the orientation and training, a photo opportunity with DOST-PSTO Rizal, Baras NHS school faculties, and learners took place.
STARBOOKS is a public good initiative by the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (STII) which includes kiosks that serve as the information access portals in key areas in the Philippines. LGUs, non-government organizations (NGOs), the academe, and private institutions can avail this one-stop Science and Technology (S&T) information source. This program empowers students with a wealth of valuable resources at their fingertips, fostering a love for learning and scientific exploration.