Davao de Oro --- The Department of Information and Communications Technology – Mindanao Cluster 3 (DICT MC3) recently launched a Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (Tech4Ed) Centers and turn-over computer packages in LGU New Bataan, Mainit National High School in Nabunturan and Philippine Army’s 10th SIGNAL Battalion.
A Tech4ED is one of the DICT’s flagship programs implemented nation-wide that aims to provide access points for individuals and communities to bridge the digital gap and harness the power of ICT in society towards creating a progressive countryside.
DICT MC3 Assistant Regional Director Engr. Erlito Tancontian underscores the government’s effort to provide easy accessibility to every municipality and barangay in the province particularly for those with minimal or no access to information and government services.
“The establishment of the Tech4Ed Center is expected to bridge the digital and education divide by addressing the scarcity of ICT resources in the municipality that has hampered digital growth among locals,” Tancontian said.
He also added that Tech4Ed offers eight segment features like eEduSkills, eAssist, eHealth, eMarketPlace, eGovServices, Gender & Development and Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) which all has a special function on a specific purpose from educational, job readiness and business tracking, to government office document transactions.
The facilities set-up in these centers are open for free use of out-school-youths, students, teachers and entrepreneurs with no internet access, employees, PWDs, senior citizens, and indigenous people.
As of February 9, 2021, 36 Wi-Fi zones are up in the province under the DICT-UNDP project dubbed “Free Wi-Fi for All Project” and the remaining 86 sites are ongoing implementation.
Meanwhile, the PLGU-DdO’s Tech4Ed Center received additional four computer packages to further extend the government services among its employees and clients.
Present during the ceremony were DICT Davao de Oro Provincial Officer Engr. Ronilo M. Santa Cruz, Tech4ED Focal Person Eng. Albert C. Gabriel, LTC Jose C Perlas Jr, New Bataan Mayor Geraldford N. Balbin, Assistant School Principal II Sandy G. Yee, and Provincial Information Technology Officer Joyzel R. Odi and other local officials. (Rheafe Hortizano – Provincial Information Office of DdO)
