LAOAG CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) donated two units of Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) and science-related materials to public schools in the town of Carasi, Ilocos Norte.

The Carasi Elementary School (CES) and Virbira-Angset Elementary School (VAES) received two computer units with installed STARBOOKS software, and the Carasi National High School is provided with one Smart TV with DOST courseware.

“We thank you for considering the Municipality of Carasi, this will also help the learners from the two nearby towns, Piddig and Solsona, since we have learners from adjacent towns of the municipality,” said Gloria Notarte, Principal of CES and VAES.

Coinciding with the awarding, teachers and staff were oriented on the use and operation of STARBOOKS to better assist the students in their learning and research needs.

This is part of the Agency’s commitment of providing Ilokano students with greater opportunities by enhancing the facilities of rural schools in promoting effective learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Region I.

“This is not only for the learners but it will be of help to our teachers as well,” Notarte added.

STARBOOKS is the first digital library in the Philippines developed by DOST which features science and technology resources. The materials are available in text, video, and audio formats.

As a beneficiary of DOST’s Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST), the municipality of Carasi is assisted with science and technology programs. Communities are covered in the DOST’s programs on livelihood, health and nutrition, environmental protection and conservation, education, and disaster risk reduction management. (JCR/JNPD/MJTAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)