The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recognised two public high schools and a public library as top-performing Technology Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (Tech4ED) centres, for their relentless commitment in narrowing the digital divide in the country.
According to a recent press release, Kaunlaran High School, Carlos Albert High School, and Sentro ng Karunungan Library Tech4ED centres in Navotas, Quezon City, and Manila respectively, garnered the highest number of registered platform users for quarters one and two for the year 2019.
Background of the Initiative
- The recognition was given during the National Capital Region (NCR) Tech4ED Conference held recently.
- A public school teacher and the Centre Manager from Kaunlaran High School shared that the recognition serves as a motivation for them to further strengthen the centre’s impact to their stakeholders.
- It gives them great feeling that their sacrifices are being acknowledged. On top of the regular workload they have as teachers, they still need to find time so that they can also fulfil their duties as centre managers.
- According to her, they encounter several challenges but through their compassion towards the work at hand, they are able to overcome them.
- Aside from acknowledging outstanding Tech4ED centres, the conference mainly aimed to enhance the skills of centre managers and knowledge workers through workshops and sharing of best practices.
- Another public school teacher and a Centre Manager for three years at the Betty Go Belmonte Elementary School in Quezon City shared that she likes the idea of reaching out to communities.
- She explained that no one is left behind because of Tech4ED. As centre managers, they serve as the bridge to the people.
About Tech4ED
- The program continues to extend its reach to include all sectors and demographics of the Philippine population.
- Currently, the Tech4ED platform houses eight segments aimed at developing and enhancing the knowledge and skills competencies of centre users.
- The contents and learning materials are on education, skills training, gender and development, agriculture, rural impact sourcing, health, business, and government service.
- The Tech4ED Project provides access points for individuals and communities to bridge the digital and education divide.
- It promotes grassroots development and opportunities for inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
- It will give communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals.
- OpenGov Asia earlier reported on Tech4ED. The initiative aimed at providing affordable or free-of-charge access for citizens in rural and underserved areas to various communication resources, with focus on the internet.
- The services on the platform are categorised into eEduskills, eAssist, eAgri, eMarketplace, and eGovserv.