Government efforts to reach the grassroots show true public service. During the pandemic, as part of Lions Clubs International, we delivered flu vaccines to communities short on medical staff, partnering with barangays to fill the gap. Rather than leaving medicines expire due to probable lack of government staff to implement the vaccinations, Lions organized its members who are licensed doctors and nurses to conduct it to communities.
One standout agency is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Beyond scholarships, DOST drives innovation in schools and communities alike. The Association of Science and Math Educators of Public and Private Schools (ASMEPPS), now ASMEPPS International as it gears up for global competitions, starting with Vietnam this year, has inked numerous Memorandum of Understanding with the agency in the past, and it was for this that invited us for an exploratory talks on continuing the partnership this 2026.
ASMEPPS CEO Prof. Eloisa Olivera partnered with DOST in 2016 on StarBooks—a digital library software donated annually to schools nationwide via pre-loaded computers. Even amid COVID-19, their memorandum of agreement (MOA) endured, tasking ASMEPPS with distributing these computers with softwares from DOST and science magazines to students joining the competitions annually.
At a recent meeting, DOST division heads unveiled exciting 2026 programs (some still under wraps). The Communication Resources & Production Division (CRPD) will offer free seminars to schools. Chief Science Research Specialist Rodolfo “Rudy” De Guzman beamed as colleagues pitched initiatives tailored to our science advocacy. Talented specialists from CRPD and the Information Resources and Analysis Division (IRAD) shared events perfect for educators.
Laughter echoed through the room—familiar faces from both teams sparked easy rapport. ASMEPPS COO Dr. Castillo noted how DOST’s offerings complement our training in scientific writing, broadcasting, and more for students and teachers.
Dr. Janet De Guzman, president of the Philippine Dental Association-Las Piñas chapter joined, proposing dental care modules for StarBooks. The proper care for the teeth of students could be seen as an opportunity to make every Juan’s smile come to life. ASMEPPS PRO Jerome Benedict absorbed ideas for live video editing in upcoming competitions.
The mood mixed joy with melancholy as Rudy retires this February unless extended. His passion will be missed, but we’re eager for his post-DOST seminars as a private expert, should he consider it. It was just a year or two that Director Richard Burgos left, and surely while he was missed, the retiring gentlemen will be equally missed too.
These collaborations prove government’s real power lies in partnerships. DOST isn’t just funding science, it’s igniting curiosity at the community core, one digital library and seminar at a time. ||
