Since DepEd’s goal is to intensify its partnership to the public and private entities, particularly in the provision of ICT resources, DepEd worked on its partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office for the Tech4ED Project. This partnership permits the schools to use their Tech4ED platform for free.
The first batch that the DOST-ICT Office established their Senior High Schools Tech4ED Centers in Mountain Province were Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School, Tadian School of Arts and Trades, Guinzadan National High School and Mount Data National High School.
Tech4ED stands for Technology for Education, to gain Employment, train Entrepreneurs towards Economic Development. It is a project of the DOST-ICT Office that aims to harness ICT to enable, empower and transform society creating an inclusive, integrated and equitable countryside, through providing opportunities for employment and empowering entrepreneurs.
Prior to the launching of platforms in the schools, a two-day pre-requisite orientation for the Tech4ED Managers (School ICT Coordinators) on the operations of the portal conducted on April 21-22, 2016 at Ridgebrook Hotel, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Participants to this training were the designated School ICT Coordinators of the Senior High Schools in Mountain Province. The orientation was conducted by the personnel of DOST-ICT Office from the Central and Regional Offices. In operating the portal, there were three segments that were introduced by the speakers. Thus, these segments are the services that one can avail at the Tech4ED center
The expected outcomes of the Tech4ED project were the following: a) Inclusive growth and development, b) A digitally literate society, c) Employment through Tech4ED services, d) Less expense for seeking employment, e) Quality education thru ICT for OSYAs, f) Financial literacy for Overseas Filipinos and their relatives, g) Ease of access to government services, h) Wider market reach for entrepreneurs, i) additional revenue for centers.
Launching of the platform in the first batch Senior High Schools Tech4ED Centers was done the following day, April 23, 2016 after the two-day pre-requisite orientation. Other Senior High Schools that were not yet established as Tech4ED Centers, as per DepEd Division Memo No.72, series of 2016, launching of the platforms will follow in the succeeding days.
By Maribel S. Agnapan