Braving the sea from mainland Antique to the island of Semirara, the Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI), through the Antique Provincial S&T Office (Antique PSTO), successfully deployed the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) at the Divine Word School of Semirara Island, Inc. (DWSII) on June 25–26, 2025.

Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique, rich in natural resources yet challenged by its remote location, continues to face limitations in access to quality S&T learning tools. To bridge this gap, DOST- Antique is intensifying efforts to bring equitable access to science, technology, and innovation (STI) resources to underserved communities through innovations such as STARBOOKS.

STARBOOKS, the first digital science library in the Philippines, houses thousands of digitized S&T materials from local and international sources which are accessible offline. This digital science library is installed in the junior and senior high school libraries, and even extended to a barangay-based satellite library, to provide wider access to both students and educators.

Fr. Lawrence Llona, SVD, DWSII School Principal underscored that STARBOOKS is not a mere tool but a gateway of opportunity that bridges gaps, enriches curriculum delivery, and ignites curiosity to DWSII learners. Fr. Llonna furthers that the DWSII community embraces this technological leap to raise a generation that is not only digitally literate but morally grounded and culturally rooted.

“Maraming salamat po sa pagtitiwala, DOST. Magsusumikap po kami na ang biyayang ito ay lubusang mapakinabangan—hindi lamang para sa aming paaralan, kundi sa mas malawak na layunin ng DWSII, SMPC, at ang namumuno ng isla ng Semirara,” Fr. Llona expressed.

Moreover, alongside the installation, DOST-Antique also conducted an orientation and a hands-on training on how to use the STARBOOKS. Support programs of DOST to raise awareness were also presented and inclusive access to these services was promoted.

Through this initiative, DOST VI reaffirms its commitment to bringing science and technology closer to every Filipino, regardless of distance or location. With STARBOOKS, Semirara’s educators and learners now have a powerful tool to unlock a world of knowledge. (EDABut/Antique PSTO)