QUIRINO PROVINCE – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Luzon Cluster I and the Department of Education (DepEd) Quirino signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 6, 2019 at Gundaway, Cabarroguis, Quirino.
The MOA defines the support, cooperation and collaboration between the two government agencies for the establishment of Tech4ED centers in Quirino schools.
DICT Luzon Cluster I also donated a Tech4ED package, consisting of three computer units, router, headsets and printer to DepEd Quirino.
“ICT is already a part of our human rights. So, we have to address it. We call that the invasion of the digital divide,” Director Leo Ugto of DICT Luzon Cluster I said.
Tech4ED stands for Technology Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. This project provides access to ICT-related contents and services, educational materials for Alternative Learning System, skills training, Digital Literacy and health-related contents for the public across sectors. Tech4ED centers, similar to internet cafes, can be accessed by the public for free.
DepEd Quirino Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Orlando Manuel said that they have conducted a study in their schools and discovered the rampancy of cyber bullying. He “hopes that through the Tech4ED project, and trainings on cybersecurity and digital literacy, cyber bullying will be addressed.”
A two-day Center Managers Training was also conducted on May 6-7, 2019 to equip DepEd focal persons on the usage of the Tech4ED platform and maintenance of the centers.
By Diane Rivera-Rojas
