27.9 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

2:10 PM

27.9 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

2:10 PM

STARBOOKS mobile library: Taking part in ‘EducTokhang’

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—As an advocate of bringing inclusive and relevant Science and Technology (S&T) information to the countryside, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Bukidnon has worked hand-in-hand with Pangantucan local government unit (LGU) and Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS) to deliver Science, Technology, and Innovative education to the students and community through a mobile library.

PCHS President Rev. Father Ambrosio Flores SJ recently initiated the “EducTokhang” at barangays Pigtauranan and Madaya at Pangantucan town in Bukidnon. This initiative introduces the use and benefits of DOST’s Science and Technology Academic Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS).

The word Tokhang is a blended local word for knock (toktok) and plead (hangyo) that best describes DOST’s delivery of S&T educational innovation to remote areas.

EducTokhang aims to reach PCHS students who belong to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) living in geographically challenged areas.

A total of 82 students participated in the activity and became new users of the STARBOOKS digital library. It also gave way to out-of-school youths to register and participate.

Considering the learning needs of these COVID times, the facilitators also tackled reading intervention to achieve better comprehension and articulation in both English and Filipino. There were also practical lessons such as Livelihood Skills Training and Aerobics as part of the Technology and Livelihood Education and Physical Education subjects, respectively.

STARBOOKS is DOST’s response to PCHS’s goal to establish an e-library and encourage students to gain interest in the field of Science and Technology. Through this, the school anticipated an increase in the number of students who will enroll in S&T courses and a higher rate of student engagement in entrepreneurship at their tertiary level.

“Dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amo especially karon nga school year kay dili na ipaanhi ang mga estudyante diri sa eskwelahan. Ang uban walay internet connection kay remote kaayo ang ilang tagsa-tagsa ka panimalay ug pobre gyud (This is a big help to our institution, especially this school-year as students are no longer required to go to school. Some students live in remote areas where access to internet isn’t possible—while some have no resources for internet access),” Father Flores said. 

It was an extra challenge for PCHS faculty and staff since the target areas belong to the ‘geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDA)’ in Pangantucan.

However, driven by their mission of “Forming competent life-long learners who ignite the passion for God’s creation,” the facilitators made it clear that they will continue the EducTokhang to reach out to more students in remote areas.

To avail STARBOOKS, feel free to contact DOST-Bukidnon via email at bukidnon@region10.dost.gov.ph or through social media at https://www.facebook.com/pstcbukidnon. (DOST Bukidnon/PIA Bukidnon)