The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Rizal partners with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) deploy its first STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS) unit tailored specifically for a female dormitory through a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on May 6, 2026.
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, highlighting the various science and technology modules and instructional livelihood videos that expand educational opportunities as part of the holistic rehabilitation process for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
To properly introduce the platform, a short audiovisual 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 use this technology for their advanced studies, and that the livelihood technology and instructional videos may be used for 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 undergoing their rehabilitation program.”
She added that the STARBOOKS deployment at BJMP reflects DOST Rizal’s commitment to making science, technology, and knowledge accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstances.
“We believe that learning and innovation can transform lives, and by bringing digital information resources closer to persons deprived of liberty, we hope to inspire continuous learning, skills development, and opportunities for personal growth and reintegration into society. This project embodies our belief that access to knowledge can empower individuals and create pathways for a better future,” she said.
Through these digital resources, DOST aims to provide inclusive interventions for the marginalized sector, empowering institutionalized individuals to continue their personal growth.
(From left to right) Raphael Dorutheo Martin A. San Antonio, Science Research Specialist II; Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, OIC-Office of the Provincial Director, DOST-PSTO-Rizal; Jail Chief Inspector Atty. Jessela L. Tariman, Antipolo City Jail Female Dormitory; and Jail Officer (JO1) Maynard Bacani pose for a photo after the signing of the agreement for the STARBOOKS deployment to the Antipolo City Jail Female Dormitory earlier this month of May 2026. (Photo from DOST-Rizal)
