The latest innovation in learning tools developed and introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its information arm, the Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), has now reached the shores of the CARAGA region.

STARBOOKS, short for Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Open ly Operated Kiosk Station if often referred to as the “library in a box” because it is actually a stand-alone kiosk that can be placed in one corner of the school and students can easily access a wealth of information about science and technology particularly research works of our Filipino scientist and engineers.

STARBOOKS is DOST’s response to a call to make science and technology available to more students in the regions as it aims to make academic stars out of our students in the provinces. This unique e-learning tool combines traditional and digital modes of education that allows research activities to be done with just a click of the mouse.

“We at DOST want to encourage our students to take up courses in science and technology because we believe that to achieve inclusive growth we need to strengthen and beef up the pool of scientists, engineers, programmers that we have today,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo. “That is why we developed STARBOOKS to make S&T information more accessible to students in the regions.”

STARBOOKS will be launched in CARAGA in conjunction with DOST’s nationwide campaign called Science Nation Tour to be held on May 27-29 in Butuan City. It is an initiative of the department aimed at bringing down to the provinces notable inventions and innovations of DOST in education, agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, nanotechnology, healthcare, e-governance and disaster preparedness and mitigation.

During the event, a memorandum of understanding will be executed by the DOST led by Secretary Mario G. Montejo and other DOST officials namely Assistant Secretary Raymund E. Liboro and DOST CARAGA Regional Director Dominga D. Mallonga.

Other events to be featured in the Science Nation Tour in CARAGA include the inauguration of the complementary food project of the Guigaquit Women’s Center in Guigaquit, Surigao del Norte; ground breaking ceremony and field testing of the Integrated Au-Cu Mineral Processing Pilot Plant in Barangay Del Pilar in Agusan del Norte; the Science and Technology Forum presenting LiDAR Flood Modeling, e-Health TABLET, Early Warning Devices, CARAGA Food Safety Team, and launch of Eastern Mindanao Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies Research Alliance for Development (EMIEERALD). (S&T Media Service)