LA TRINIDAD, Benguet(PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera thru the Benguet Provincial Science and Technology Office turned over science learning equipment to the two remotest schools of Mankayan.

 The DOST team with the support of the community and the school personnel turned over STARBOOKS or science digital library, digital microscopes, and television to Camanpaguey Integrated School which was reached after a two-hour ride using an all-terrain vehicle and to Las-igan Elementary School, a three-hour hike from the Camanpaguey IS. Both schools are in Barangay Cabiten.

The team also conducted training on operation of the STARBOOKS and digital microscopes for the students and teachers.

DOST Benguet Provincial Director Dr. Sheila Marie Claver said the project is in collaboration with the local government of Mankayan to provide the much-needed science and technology support for learners in geographically isolated and/or disadvantaged areas.

Claver said about 70 learners and seven teachers from Camanpaguey IS while 14 learners and two teachers from Las-igan ES will benefit from the project. She said interested members of the community can also access the learning resources.

The DOST STARBOOKS(Science and Technology Academic Research-based Openly Operated Kiosks)  is the first science digital library in the Philippines that can be operated without internet connection. It contains digitized science and technology resources such as K-12 learning materials, disaster risk reduction management resources, livelihood videos, investigatory projects, theses and dissertations and others.

The microscopes have electronic eyepiece that can be connected to a laptop and television for digital and expanded image viewing.

Camanpaguey IS Head Johnny Anno and Las-igan ES Head Noreen Espenocilla expressed gratitude to the DOST and the local government for the assistance to their schools which will greatly benefit the learners, school personnel as well as community   members.   They said that despite being located in the remotest areas and having lesser  learners,    they are recipients of such science learning project   equipment.  (JDP/RMC-PIA-CAR) (DOST-Benguet photos)