The De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) and the Department of Science and Technology – Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently that will significantly promote science communication in the campus.

The partnership enhances DLSAU’s collaboration with the two DOST-STII’s programs, namely the Science Journo Ako and the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks (STARBOOKS).

The MoU outlines the joint efforts in respect to content development and dissemination, student and teacher engagements through quiz bees, publications, and capacity-building activities aimed at making science, technology, and innovation (STI) more accessible and engaging to students, educators, and its community.

“We have been forging partnerships with many institutions, and I consider this one of the most important,” said Dr. Marie Allison E. Parpan, Chancellor of DLSAU. “It’s encompassing—you have student publications, research, and library resources. I am excited and very much looking forward to this collaboration. We will try as much as we can to support in whatever capacity we can.”

Echoing her remarks, Rodolfo P. de Guzman, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Communication Resources and Production Division (CRPD) under the DOST-STII, emphasized the value of the partnership:

“This opportunity to now be a part of the DLSAU family is a significant milestone for our institution, as well as a great honor for the DOST to walk with you, side by side, in our shared journey to make science, technology, and innovation more relevant today, and harnessing the power of science communication so that scientific knowledge is easily understood, readily accessible to our stakeholders, and greatly appreciated by the Filipino people.”

Also in attendance was Dr. Jennifer R. Reyes, DLSAU Vice Chancellor for Academic and Research, who highlighted the benefits of the partnership to the academic community.

“This collaboration will not only provide our institution with greater access to S&T resources, but it will also open up new platforms for our faculty and students to share their work. Our student publication, in particular, will benefit from having more resources and models to learn from.”

Mr. Christopher N. Polanco, DLSAU Vice President for Advancement, Linkages, and Special Projects, thanked DOST-STII for initiating the partnership that will open doors for learning, innovation, and public service.

As part of the ceremonial activities, DOST-STII turned over copies of its publications—the Philippine Journal of Science and S&T Post—to the DLSAU Learning Resource Center, marking the beginning of a dynamic knowledge-sharing relationship.

About the Programs

Science Journo Ako is the science communication program aimed to develop an ecosystem of science journalists and communicators across the country to disseminate the latest science information and knowledge to various stakeholders to complement the country’s efforts in bringing science literacy to every Filipino.

STARBOOKS on the other hand, is the Philippines' first digital "library-in-a-box"—a standalone, offline information resource specifically designed to provide communities with limited internet access a reliable gateway to science and technology knowledge.

DOST-STII is one of the 18 attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology, mandated to serve as the national S&T databank and library, disseminate scientific information, and conduct science communication training programs. They are among the many attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All.

For more information, visit www.stii.dost.gov.ph. (By Carl Miguel S. Lusuegro, DOST-STII)

Dr. Marie Allison E. Parpan and Mr. Alan C. Taule during the ceremonial MOU signing between De La Salle Araneta University and STARBOOKS. (Photo by Xyrus Ivan S. De Gracia, DOST-STII)

Dr. Marie Allison E. Parpan and Mr. Rodolfo P. De Guzman during the ceremonial MOU signing between De La Salle Araneta University and Science Journo Ako. (Photo by Xyrus Ivan S. De Gracia, DOST-STII)