On June 11, 2024, ABS-CBN Foundation Programa Genio Program Head Maricar Estole was honored during the DOST-STARBOOKS project’s 13th-anniversary celebration, themed “STARBOOKS@13: Stronger Together.” The award ceremony recognized the team’s outstanding contributions to advancing the mission of STARBOOKS across the Philippines.
STARBOOKS, which stands for Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks, is a pioneering initiative designed to provide free access to a wealth of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)-based resources. This project particularly targets geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged schools and communities, ensuring that vital educational content is accessible to all.
Programa Genio has been a crucial partner in this mission, significantly extending the reach and impact of STARBOOKS. Their collaborative efforts have enhanced the availability of quality educational materials, making a profound difference in the lives of countless learners and educators in underserved regions.
The acknowledgment at the STARBOOKS@13 event not only highlights the successful partnership between Programa Genio and STARBOOKS but also reinforces the importance of collective effort and mutual support in overcoming educational barriers in the country. The theme “Stronger Together” resonates deeply with this vision, emphasizing that unity and collaboration are key to achieving greater educational equity and empowerment.