The Western Visayas College of Science and Technology in La paz, Iloilo City was recently chosen as recipient of the first Science and Technology Academic and Research Based- Openly Operated Kiosk (STARBOOKS) launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region VI Western Visayas.
The inception of WVCST as recipient of the first STARBOOKS in Region VI was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by and between WVCST President Luis M. Sorolla and DOST Region VI Director Engineer Rowen Gelonga. The signing of the memorandum was held on September 18 at the Audio Visual Room of the WVCST Library. It was witnessed by the library personnel headed by Dr. Nida M. Gomez, CollegeLibrarian and other key officials of WVCST. The signing of documents was followed by a comprehensive orientation on how to use the STARBOOKS.
According to Ms. Annie Lyn Bacani, Research Specialist II of DOST and Admin Coordinator of the project, STARBOOKS is being implemented through the department’s Science and Technology Information Institute or STII.
“STARBOOKS is the first Science Digital Library in the Philippines launched under the auspices of DOST,” Ms. Bacani said.
She further added that STARBOOKS containsthousands of digitalized science and technology resources in various format-text, video/audio. These information are placed in specially designed pods set in a user- friendlyinterface. Its features include Encyclopedia Britanica, Filipiniana Collection, Investigatory Project Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos and many others.
“It is a stand-alone information kiosk, therefore information access is possible even without internet connection. STARBOOKS was created to encourage Filipinos to gain interest in the field of science and technology and at the same time develop new ideas on inventions and innovations as well as entrepreneurship and research” Bacani further added.
During the turn-over ceremony, DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, lauded the efforts of Dr. Nida Gomez, WVCST librarian and Dr. Luis M. Sorolla WVCST President, in personally requesting for the installation of STARBOOKS at the WVCST library.
“I am happy that WVCST through Dr. Gomez and President Sorolla requested for STARBOOKS. I believe that WVCST will benefit much out of this innovation because the institution is into science and technology. It is also expected that the college will enhance its part in promoting development by sharing the latest researches in technology, thus making WVCST not only a user but also a contributor of STARBOOKS as well” Dir. Gelonga declared.
For his part, President Luis M. Sorolla expressed his elation and gratitude to DOST for the opportunity.
“STARBOOKS will become very beneficial to the students of WVCST, from laboratory school to the various colleges, even to those taking their post-graduate studies. As the College will soon become the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), it has on its shoulders the task of being at the forefront of science and technology, “ President Sorolla told the audience.
The WVCST President also affirmed that the College will not just become a recipient and user of STARBOOKS but through such innovation, will also become a major contributor in the field of science and technology.
In closing, Dr. Sorolla, likewise assured the audience that all the satellite campuses of the WVCST namely: SIPC Campus in Miag-ao, Iloilo, LNCA Campus in Leon, Iloilo, PDMC Campus in Dumangas, Iloilo and DJSMNC Campus in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo will soon have their own STARBOOKS stations. (By: Prof. Pedro H. Fontonalgo and Lucille Jaspe)
