Hyundai PH turns over Staria commuter vehicles to DOST

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) officially handed over three (3) Hyundai Staria commuter units to the Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).

The fleet shall be utilized particularly for the said office’s pioneering project, the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS), and its award-winning broadcast platform, DOSTv: Science for the People.

An official turnover ceremony was held at the DOST Compound last December 14, 2023, wherein HMPH president Mr. Dong Wook Lee, together with HMPH Managing Director, Mr. Cecil Capacete, were welcomed by DOST Secretary, Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., DOST Undersecretary, Ms. Maridon Sahagun as well as DOST-STII Director, Mr. Richard Burgos.

“We are glad to have been given the opportunity to contribute towards the causes of STARBOOKS and DOSTv. Their missions closely resonate with ours. As we too constantly find ways on becoming more present in the lives of our customers and communities which we are a part of. Rest assured that our Hyundai Staria shall be a reliable steed on your journeys,” said Lee.

Developed back in 2011, STARBOOKS is a stand-alone pod that serves as an interactive information hub with resources related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides educational institutions, local government units (LGUs), and even non-government organizations (NGOs), with a comprehensive digital library in various formats from text, video, and audio. System installation and support, content updates, and training are part of the program.

On the other hand, DOSTv which started airing in 2016 as an online-only weather and SciTech channel, is now also a television program at PTV-4 and CNN Philippines. Apart from programs, such as ExperTalk, Lakas ng Siyensya, and Balitang RapiDOST, it features public service bulletins from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) as well.

“We, at DOST acknowledge Hyundai not just as a provider of mobility solutions but also as a global technology company. There is a shared desire to delve into broader collaboration avenues that can positively impact the Filipino population. DOST is keen on exploring additional areas where the partnership can yield further benefits. The intention is to forge a multifaceted collaboration that extends beyond mobility solutions, aiming for a comprehensive partnership that aligns with the evolving needs and aspirations of Filipino society,” said Solidum.

His Excellency Sang-hwa Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, was in attendance as well and commended Hyundai's initiative in the country.

“I commend the Hyundai Motor team’s Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives in the Philippines. It is encouraging that the DOST enjoys the strong support of national government. This awareness aligns well with our government’s focus on science, technology, and innovation. I am confident that such alignment will be a driving force in deepening our countries’ relationship as we approach the anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2024,” shared the Ambassador.