DOST Rizal

: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐃𝐋𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐉𝐌𝐏 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Rizal entered into a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to deploy the first STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS) unit tailored specifically for a female dormitory through ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, May 6.

Jail Chief Inspector Atty. Jessela L. Tariman of Antipolo City Jail Female Dormitory, welcomed the DOST personnel and highlighted how the digital library will serve as a vital tool for personal development and rehabilitation within the facility. On the other hand, Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, Officer-in-Charge of DOST PSTO Rizal, presented a briefer on the STARBOOKS system, emphasizing the different science and technology modules and instructional livelihood videos, expanding educational opportunities as part of the holistic rehabilitation process for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

To properly introduce the platform, a short audio-visual presentation on the history of STARBOOKS was played, followed by a presentation on the next steps for installation and user capacity-development training delivered by Ms. Arthea Marie M. Genova, STARBOOKS focal of PSTO Rizal. She also mentioned that even jail officers may utilize this technology for their advanced studies, and the livelihood technology and instructional videos may be used for the PDLs' activities. The initial deployment is set to benefit 72 female PDLs and 26 jail officers.

OIC Libao further highlighted the specific groups that will benefit from the deployment, noting that the kiosk will serve as a valuable educational resource for individuals studying under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the children of PDLs, and those looking to develop new livelihood skills for their families.

Speaking on the broader vision of the initiative, former OIC Ms. Una Grace M. Dollete noted, "we want to remove the stigma of interacting with PDLs and be engaged with science and technology while ongoing their rehabilitation program." Through these digital resources, DOST aims to provide inclusive interventions for the marginalized sector, empowering institutionalized individuals to continue their personal growth.

: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓, 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐜𝐨𝐩, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨'𝐬 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭

Batasan, Quezon City — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON, led by Regional Director Emelita P. Bagsit, held a highly productive meeting with Congressman Philip Conrad "Dok B**g" M. Acop at the House of Representatives to discuss collaborative science, technology, and innovation (STI) interventions to uplift the communities in the 2nd District of Antipolo, April 29.

During the meeting, Director Bagsit discussed pending commitments made with the late former Congressman Romeo Acop regarding the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM) at the Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School (ACNSTHS).

Building on this discussion, the DOST team presented a comprehensive slate of science and technology interventions tailored to the needs of the district, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Grants-in-Aid (GIA), Scholarship, STARBOOKS, VISSER, Lab-in-a-Box, and the SAFEWTRS programs.

A primary highlight of the collaborative discussion focused on education and youth empowerment through the expansion of the 21st CLEM and lab-in-a-box initiatives to other high schools across Antipolo.

In the area of sustainability and innovative technology, the two parties explored the deployment of atmospheric water generators. Congressman Acop also shared about ASHER, an innovative technology housed in The Medical City, that uses plasma pyrolysis for improving medical waste processing. Additionally, he expressed interest in the Biotek-M dengue diagnostic kits which are commercialized technology from previous research funded by DOST.

Finally, the meeting highlighted opportunities to advance local industry and agriculture through unique agro-industrial technologies. This includes exploring the conversion of saba banana trunks into banana beer and developing coconut ale. To support these ventures, the group proposed an upcoming benchmarking visit to the banana plantation in the Villa Socorro Farm in Laguna, and also to the Laguna University which houses the Natural Fiber and Textile Innovation Hub.

Joining Director Bagsit during these deliberations were OIC Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, Mr. R-jay M. Salabao, and Mr. Raphael San Antonio representing the DOST team. Congressman Acop was accompanied by his staff, Mr. Francis M. Javier and Ms. Lyn Ilagan.

Both the DOST and the Office of the Congressman expressed their excitement to push these initiatives forward and deliver science-based solutions directly to the people of Antipolo.