DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 22 July) – The Information Communications and Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Internet Café Association of Davao (ICAD) have forged a partnership that will maximize the use of technology to generate employment for Dabawenyos and promote entrepreneurship.
In her privilege speech Tuesday, Councilor Joanne Bonguyan, committee chair on Information Technology, said Tech4Ed will be a good platform which will serve as knowledge hubs and delivery channels for exploring the opportunities that await internet users.
It seeks to achieve two major thrusts: internet opportunities for all people and investing in people through digital literacy, she said.
The Tech4Ed center will also promote alternative learning for basic education and digital skills training.
According to ICTO, 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 also give communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals,” it added.
ICTO and ICAD president Alexis Bangayan have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to designate an area for Tech4Ed Center in internet cafes that are ICAD members.
“The ICAD has manifested its intent to establish a Tech4Ed center by providing three computer units for Tech4ED use only and has attested to support all activities to sustain and maintain the center to provide feasible necessary services to the community where they operate,” Bonguyan added.
The Tech4Ed centers will at least change the image of internet cafes that these are not only for games and amusement but also for basic education and digital skills training, she said.
“Once a child asks his parents to go to an internet cafe, parents usually have violent reaction because most if not all parents, they have a negative view about internet cafes. Now we have the honor to inform our constituents, especially parents, that an individual can be educated and earn a degree through online or through the internet. That’s why the internet cafes, through ICAD, support the Tech4Ed project as part of their social responsibility,” Bonguyan added.
