GOVPH

Despite the vast collection of information available online, physical libraries remain to be an important resource for today’s learners and educators.

And for this reason, the Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) has officially opened its doors for a series of activities to promote its library services from November 11-14, 2025 in celebration of the Library and Information Services Month (LISM).

In fulfillment of the Presidential Proclamation no. 837 series of 1991, designating November as LISM, this four-day observance aims to increase public awareness of the crucial role that libraries and information centers play in society, promoting literacy, cultural preservation, and lifelong learning. 

With the theme, “LACE-UP: Libraries —a Hub for Cultural Exploration and Unity Through Partnership,” the celebration highlights the vital role of libraries as inclusive spaces for cultural engagement and inter-agency collaboration.

“‘LACE-UP’ speaks of binding together, weaving relationships, and moving forward in harmony. This means tying together stories, people, and ideas in a way that empowers communities. Through books, media, exhibitions, and programs, libraries become spaces of cultural exploration so visitors can journey through history, art, language, and tradition,” DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun said.

She added that libraries foster creative partnerships that connect librarians with educators, artists, and the public through the wellspring of ideas it provides.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony is the official launching of the DOST-STII’s Library Makerspace—a dedicated collaborative space for library clients to engage in hands-on, creative activities that combine technology, craft, and innovation.

According to the Library Services Section of the Information Resources and Analysis Division (IRAD) of the DOST-STII, this space fosters learning, creativity, and problem-solving by offering workshops, classes, and open hours for clients to work on personal projects and explore new skills.

To leverage this library makerspace, the institute also conducted a series of learning sessions for the four-day event. The session includes Hands-on Science Experiments brought by ScienceStar Corp., Workshop on Research Design Framework by DOST-STII, Storytelling, Puppet Show, and Arts and Crafts brought in partnership with the National Library of the Philippines, and Introduction to Robotics by Felta Multi-media Incorporated.

The DOST-STII is one of the 18 attached agencies of the DOST, which is mandated to establish a science and technology data bank and library, disseminate information, and undertake training on science and technology.

The institute’s observance of the LIS month is one of the many initiatives 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 and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.stii.dost.gov.ph. (Text and photos by Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)

Senior High School (SHS) students from Colegio de Sta. Ana-Taguig and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa joined the Research Design Framework learning session held at the newly launched DOST-STII Library Makerspace on November 12, 2025.

This Ecoline T-30 stereo microscope, used for basic educational work, is among the technologies featured in celebration of the LIS month, from ScienceStar Corp. Its magnification changer delivers clear images of diverse live specimens. It is equipped with a Moticam X5 Plus Wi-fi camera, where anyone can share microscopic images with up to six devices at the same time.