GOVPH

The Department of Science and Technology–Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) put the spotlight on the transformative role of accessible, data-driven science and technology (S&T) information and services during its DOST ScINet-Phil Assembly.

The assembly—held on September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the Harold’s Hotel in Quezon City—included information professionals within the DOST network systems to strengthen the DOST ScINet-Phil or the Science and Technology Information Network of the Philippines, which aims to provide access to quality and up-to-date science and technology (S&T) information.

With DOST ScINet-Phil, the member institutes, which include DOST attached agencies and regional offices, are now able to access and exchange scientific journals, data sets/projects, and other open-access S&T publications, giving students, researchers, and local policy-makers access to crucial and current S&T information.

In her inspirational message, delivered by DOST-STII Information Resources and Analysis Division Chief, Alan C. Taule, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services, Maridon Sahagun underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation saying, “we aim to support the S&T community by providing relevant, up-to-date information and developing the capacities of information service providers within the DOST system.”

By strengthening the network and modernizing services, such as digitized archives, online journals, AI-enabled cataloging, and cybersecurity measures, DOST ScINet-Phil aims to ensure that data-driven insights reach both national decision-makers and underserved communities.

“You are the bridge that connects researchers to discoveries, innovators to ideas, educators to resources, and communities to opportunities,” Sahagun added. “This two-day assembly is not merely an event—it is a strategic convergence of people who believe in the power of information to change lives.”

During the first day of the event, representatives from partner S&T digital resource providers engaged participants in a collaborative discussion. They shared valuable insights into the services they offer and provided guidance on navigating their digital information platforms. These interactions offered participants new learning opportunities that they can apply within their respective agencies, particularly in managing S&T information systems and libraries.

In an interview, participants shared how the DOST ScINet-Phil initiative has opened new opportunities for institutional collaboration. Michelle Arispe, Scientific Documentation Officer III of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), expressed appreciation for the assembly.

“It's very nice for the DOST ScINet-Phil to have this General Assembly again. We're seeing that there's really a lot that DOST ScINet-Phil can do in terms of helping other DOST-attached agencies and regional offices,” Arispe said.

She also emphasized how access to scientific knowledge plays a critical role in their work.

“We are looking forward to what DOST ScINet-Phil as a network can offer DOST-PNRI in terms of augmenting our own resources to the agency in terms of system, technical support, and access,” Arispe added.

Meanwhile, Micaela Jan Regular, Computer File Librarian II of DOST-PHIVOLCS, shared her first-time experience attending the event and highlighted the significance of the enhanced library system.

“Very interested talaga ako dun sa enhanced library system na prinesent kanina. Kasi goal talaga namin na magkaroon ng online library...Gaya nga sa PNRI, gusto rin namin na mag-reach kami ng mga malalayong clients namin,” she explained.

Both agencies expressed enthusiasm and a willingness to adapt the enhanced e-library system. They also mentioned how researchers are increasingly depending on remote access to resources today.

“Actually, mga clients talaga din namin sa library, mostly via email na lang din sila nagre-request [ng information]. Mas maganda din na sila din mismo, nakikita nila sa end nila kung ano yung available material sa library,” she added.

Moving forward, DOST ScINet-Phil envisions centralized access to S&T information, one that fully integrates remote access services, data visualization tools, and innovative e-learning resources to better serve educators, innovators, and the public. DOST-STII acts as the network secretariat, overseeing daily operations and fostering coordination among stakeholders. A key responsibility of the institute is to build the capacity of member institutes.

DOST-STII Head Librarian Lynderlitte M. Maglaque shared that the assembly aims to boost the effective utilization of the institute’s procured digital platforms, giving information professionals easier access to its growing collection of S&T information through e-resources.

Mr. Ronie Von L. Varona, Records Management Unit Specialist of First Gen Corporation, then leads the second day of the assembly with a discussion on the Appraisal of Records. Records appraisal in a library setting is the process of assessing collections or individual records to evaluate their worth and determine whether they should be kept for a set period, permanently preserved as archives, or disposed of because they are no longer valuable. Following the discussion, a workshop was conducted to assess participants' understanding of records appraisal and provide them with an opportunity to apply the concepts they had learned.

About the DOST ScINet-Phil

The DOST Science and Technology Information Network of the Philippines (DOST ScINet-Phil) is a network of all the libraries and information centers under the DOST, including the regional and the provincial offices. Created through the DOST Administrative Order No. 29, Series of 1995, it aims to organize and coordinate the information sourcing and sharing in the DOST system. Its general objective is to promote

and improve the flow and use of science and technology information through resource sharing and networking.

The 2025 DOST ScINet-Phil Assembly is one of the activities supported by 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.dost.gov.ph. (By Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)