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  • ISPSC inks partnership with DOST Ilocos Region for CEST, STARBOOKS

    Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College formalized its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ilocos Region through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS) on April 15, 2026, at the ISPSC Main Campus.

    The collaboration aims to strengthen the role of Science and Technology (S&T) in empowering communities, enhancing research resources, and fostering linkages with government agencies and academic institutions.

    ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero and DOST Regional Office 1 Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog led the signing of the agreements, witnessed by DOST Ilocos Sur Provincial Director Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libuano, Assistant Regional Director of DOST Ilocos Region; Dr. Mary Grace R. Navarro, Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus (PSHS-IRC) Campus Director; Hon. Alexander G. Galanga, LGU-Banayoyo Municipal Mayor; and Hon. Oscar S. Gandalera, LGU-Banayoyo Municipal Vice Mayor.

    ISPSC officials led by Dr. Filipinas Gasalao, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Jocelyn Absolor, Vice President for Research Development and Extension; Dr. Sheryl Morata, Campus Director of ISPSC Main; Dr. Heidi Joy P. Bautista, Campus Director of ISPSC Cervantes; Mr. Eduard P. Buasen, Director for Library Services; and representatives of other campuses were also present during the signing.

    Under the CEST MOA for LGU - Banayoyo, ISPSC will serve as a technical partner in implementing programs focused on health and nutrition, as well as basic education and literacy, which are key areas identified to uplift marginalized communities.

    The program also featured the signing of an MOU for STARBOOKS to ensure efficient delivery of digitized S&T resources.

    STARBOOKS is a standalone digital information kiosk containing thousands of science and technology resources in text, video, and audio formats. Accessible even without an internet connection, it provides read-only access to a global compendium of S&T information and serves as a one-stop knowledge hub. It also features “Tamang DOSTkarte Livelihood Videos,” designed to promote entrepreneurial skills among Filipinos.

    In his message, Dr. Obrero expressed his sincere appreciation for DOST’s strong support for ISPSC. “The partnership with DOST marks a strategic step forward in advancing education, strengthening innovation, and expanding opportunities for our students and faculty. Through initiatives like STARBOOKS, we move closer to our vision of becoming a smart, globally competitive, and research-driven university by 2030.”

    Dr. Tabaog also assured DOST’s continuous support for ISPSC in advancing its science and technology programs and projects.
    “While these may appear to be different agreements, they are parts of a bigger picture. Whether it is technology transfer or technical services, we are working in close partnership to ensure that these activities help the community immediately and effectively”, she stated.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Mary Grace R. Navarro, PSHS-IRC Campus Director, opened their doors by allowing ISPSC to use their research facilities for the project and the partnership.

    “PSHS-IRC remains ready and willing to collaborate with ISPSC in all initiatives, affirming our commitment to be an active partner in the promotion of research”, Dr. Navarro stated.

    Finally, Hon. Alexander G. Galanga, LGU-Banayoyo Municipal Mayor, conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to be a recipient of the CEST program, noting that the scientific and technological interventions would be a significant catalyst for the socio-economic growth of the people of Banayoyo.

    “As we sign this memorandum of agreement, let us remember that this is only the beginning. That the vision of this partnership will not be in the signing, but in the actions we take after us. Our programs will be implemented. Let us give the power of science and technology. To give a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous community,” Hon. Galanga said.

    The program also included an Orientation and User Training for STARBOOKS Administrators. This session was designed to train focal persons, primarily the college librarians, to ensure effective delivery of digitized Science & Technology information. Engr. Abad discussed the respective counterparts and responsibilities of both ISPSC and DOST to ensure the project's sustainability.

    These initiatives propel ISPSC’s 'ONWARDS UIP' vision, utilizing strategic partnerships and research facilities to achieve its goal of universityhood. (EMQT)
    Photos by Eryll Mae O. Querubin-Toquero, Jennylyn V. Balbin

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