DOST urges LGUs to maximize 

agency’s programs, services

By Elvira C. Bongosia 

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is urging local government units (LGUs) to actively utilize its various programs and services to improve their communities.

“We have many entry points like education, disaster, enterprise… tanan, so among estudyohan, estoryahan namo inyong mayor, unsa man gusto ninyo (We’ll study and discuss these with your mayor and ask what specific program you would prefer),” said DOST-Bohol Provincial Director Vina Antopina during a recent gathering of information officers from local and national government agencies.

DOST hosted the general assembly of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) and ‘Bisita Opisina’ on Aug. 15, where Antopina outlined the agency’s priority development programs and projects.

Development programs and services

Antopina said DOST serves as an umbrella agency overseeing various attached agencies that conduct research, provide services, and promote science and technology.

“Karon among (Now our) tagline is ‘OneDOST4U’ because as you know, DOST is like an umbrella, we have a lot of attached agencies under us,” Antopina shared.

These agencies cover diverse fields such as agriculture, health, industry, natural resources, weather, seismology, education, and more—all working together to serve the nation.

One key initiative LGUs can benefit from is the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), which helps them become more efficient, responsive, and future-ready through smart technologies and sustainable practices.

Antopina also highlighted DOST’s expertise in smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness and response, among other areas.

Innovation and scholarships

Antopina emphasized collaboration between LGUs, research institutions, and other stakeholders to foster innovation.

The PHILIPPiNEXT exposition and other DOST programs offer platforms to showcase and connect Filipino innovations.

DOST also provides scholarships, technology training, and assistance with intellectual property rights and technology promotion.

“Ang among scholarship dili lang kay undergraduate, dili lang kay BS degree, kundi master’s degree, PhD – depende ra gyud na ninyo,” Antopina said.

(Our scholarship is not only for undergraduate courses but also for graduate degrees.)

“Karon, medyo usa na siya sa kinadak-ang benefits nga madawat (Now, it is one of the biggest benefits scholars receive) because they have an P8,000 per month allowance. Aside from that they have their book and uniform allowances. If they are studying outside Bohol, they have transportation allowance, connectivity, thesis and graduation allowance,” she added.

Top performers in STARBOOKS Program

On June 24, 2025, the DOST Bohol Provincial Science and Technology Office received top awards during the STARBOOKS Stakeholders’ Appreciation Day in Taguig City.

DOST Bohol earned two major awards: the Innovation Award for STARBOOKS for Governance and recognition as one of the top three performing provincial S&T offices.

The STARBOOKS for Governance (STARBOOKS 4G) award honored an initiative launched in April 2024, which adapts STARBOOKS for local government operations by providing offline access to resources that support policymaking.

A total of 49 STARBOOKS 4G units were distributed to all 47 municipalities, Tagbilaran City, and the DILG Provincial Office in Bohol.

Being among the Top 3 Performing Provincial Offices recognizes DOST Bohol as a leading implementer of the STARBOOKS program nationwide, with a total of 248 installed sites.

Through DOST Bohol’s ongoing efforts, STARBOOKS continues to reach more learners and educators across the province. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

DOST-Bohol Provincial Director Vina Antopina discussing their priority development programs and projects during the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol) General Assembly and ‘Bisita Opisina’ held on Aug. 15, 2025 at DOST Bohol PSTO. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)