MUNTINLUPA CITY β The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) proudly participated in the 15th Anniversary Celebration of STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS) held on June 24β25, 2026, at Acacia Hotel Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, reaffirming its commitment to bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to communities across the Ilocos Region.
Organized by the DOSTβScience and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), this year’s celebration carried the theme “Brilliance, Stories, and Timelessness,” honoring the remarkable journey of STARBOOKS in making quality science and technology information more accessible to every Filipino, especially those in geographically isolated and underserved areas.
The two-day event gathered DOST regional deployment officers, institutional partners, and stakeholders from across the country to celebrate the milestones of STARBOOKS and recognize the individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the program’s nationwide impact over the past 15 years.
DOST Ilocos Region was honored as one of the country’s outstanding STARBOOKS partners in recognition of its unwavering commitment to expanding access to science and technology information. To date, the region has successfully installed more than 900 STARBOOKS units across schools, libraries, local government units, and various partner institutions throughout the Ilocos Region, significantly enhancing access to digital science resources and promoting science literacy among learners and communities.
Further highlighting the region’s excellence, DOST Ilocos Region received the 3rd Place Award in the STARBOOKS Deployment Officers Video Contest, recognizing its outstanding storytelling and creativity in showcasing the transformative impact of STARBOOKS in communities across the region.
The award also extends DOST Ilocos Region’s remarkable record of excellence, having consistently placed among the national winners of the STARBOOKS Deployment Officers Video Contest every year since 2022. This sustained achievement reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaborative efforts of the regional deployment team in promoting the value of STARBOOKS and inspiring greater appreciation for science and technology.
The celebration was led by DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun together with former DOST Assistant Secretary and National Privacy Commission Commissioner Raymund E. Liboro, whose vision led to the establishment of STARBOOKS in 2011. The event also recognized the invaluable contributions of deployment officers, institutional partners, and outstanding performers who have helped expand the reach of science and technology information throughout the country.
On the second day of the celebration, participants attended a series of learning sessions designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance STARBOOKS implementation. Mr. Edric Calma of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) presented the organization’s various educational programs and initiatives, highlighting opportunities for collaboration with DOST in advancing innovative learning solutions and helping shape the future of Filipino learners.
Participants were also introduced to the latest innovations in robotics through a presentation by Erovoutika Robotics and Automation Solutions, which showcased its newest robots and automation technologies, demonstrating how robotics can enrich science education and inspire innovation among students and educators.
The event concluded with updates on the STARBOOKS program and technical sessions, providing deployment officers with the latest developments, implementation strategies, and technical enhancements to further improve the delivery and sustainability of STARBOOKS services in their respective regions.
As DOST Ilocos Region celebrates these national recognitions, the office remains steadfast in its mission of making science, technology, and innovation accessible to every Ilocano. Through STARBOOKS and other knowledge-sharing initiatives, DOST Ilocos Region continues to empower learners, educators, researchers, and communities by providing equitable access to information and fostering a culture of innovation and lifelong learning.
