The Department of Science and Technology in Davao Region (DOST-11) has installed anew a solar-powered Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) in Davao de Oro province.

The province’s Manurigao Integrated School in New Bataan town is the agency’s latest beneficiary of STARBOOKS, the first Philippine Science and Technology (S&T) digital library.

On Thursday, Dr. Anthony Sales, DOST-11 head, said STARBOOKS is a user-friendly, stand-alone information kiosk that contains thousands of digitized S&T resources in various formats.

“Users can access information such as investigatory projects, K-12 learning materials, DOST technologies, and other publications,” he said.

Sales noted that the beneficiary school has no conventional source of electric supply and internet connection.

This makes the STARBOOKS, powered by a solar photovoltaic system, appropriate for the school, benefiting 156 students and seven teachers of the school.

“The DOST-11 hopes to enhance the quality of educational experience for both teachers and students and to create interest in the field of science and technology among Filipino students who will later pursue science and technology careers,” Sales said.

He said the assistance was provided through the Community Empowerment S&T Program of DOST, led by the provincial government in partnership with Davao de Oro State College Extension Services Division. (PNA)