To enhance the knowledge of users on Information Communications Technology (ICT)- related matters, a Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic, Development (Tech4ED) project was launched April13 at the Tabuk City Hall.
Funded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the City Government of Tabuk, the project which is located at the ICT Office, according to Monalisa Vizcarra, Provincial Team Leader of DICT-Kalinga bears seven portals to bring government services and other programs closer to people.
She said that these portals are eagri, emarket place, ehelath, eeducation skills, eassist, gender and development and egovernment services like application of clearances, permits and licenses.
The project, Vizcarra informed evolved from the Philippine community eCenter program, a national digital inclusion initiative establishing eCenters that provide critical e-government and ICT-enabled services in communities with minimal or no access to information and government services.
She said that this initiative was the government’s response to the World Summit on Information Society Plan of Action of which the Philippines is a signatory which states that “Governments and other stakeholders should establish multi-purpose community public access points, providing affordable or free-of-charge access for their citizens to the various communications resources, notably the internet.”
Installed also with Learning English Application Pinoy which teaches users on correct use of the English language, Vizcarra pointed out that the DICT will be plotting technical training on Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) for 30 unschooled youths.
‘’The training will provide OSYs with online jobs like tutorial services and product selling,’’ she mentioned.
Nataniel Dalanao, ICT manager told that the DICT has purchased three computer units, one router, one printer and one set of security camera while the city government acquired 10 computer units for the operation of the center.
Dalanao said that telecommunication companies must improve and upgrade their mainline facilities because of the steep rise on the number of internet users affecting connectivity.
International Telecommunications Union reported in 2015, thru its annual release “Measuring the Information Society”, that only 20% of households in the Philippines have computers and only 26% of households are with internet connection.
Further, according to the State of the Broadband Report in 2015 by the same international union, the Philippines is ranked 106th out of 191 Countries, with 39.7% internet penetration rate. This status is where the Project is hinged on, to continuously narrow down the digital divide in the Philippines.
The project is also installed in the municipalities of Tinglayan, Rizal and to be launched in Pasil. **Darwin S. Serion/Tabuk City Information Office
