ALS ANA KALANG Tech4Ed Center: Digital Literacy Enhancement Training

                June 3, 2019 marks the beginning of a new and improved computer based training by the ALS ANA KALANG Tech4ED Center of Nagcarlan. The Digital Literacy Enhancement Training, a 10-day comprehensive workshop type program designed to provide the next level of literacy and knowledge about computers and multimedia, is made possible through the initiative of the Tech4ED Center Manager, Rem Conel, and IT personnel Mark Estrella. The training includes working with Microsoft office applications such as MS Word, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint as well as an image

manipulation program called GIMP and an open-source video editing software called Openshot.

Sample Output #1 using GIMP

Sample Output #2 using GIMP

It also aimed to provide the learners the basics of photography and filming to equip them with the foundation needed to produce professional quality images and video clips. The training also includes maximizing the use of a Google Account, specifically the Google Drive feature, an account-based cloud storage and cloud computing platform that is included in every Google Account for free.

Digital Literacy Enhancement Training Program Matrix

Digital Literacy Enhancement Training Graduation Rites Poster

DLET Batch 1 Graduates with (From Left to Right) Nagcarlan Senior Citizen Tech4Ed Center Manager- Eddison DC. Astronomo, Mr. Richard O. Consebido, Mr. Joseph B. Lucido, ALS Senior Citzen IM - Aurora B. Caringal, District Supervisor- Dr. Gregoria B. Gutierrez, District ALS Coordinator - Ricardo G. Callos, Mr. Remiel R. Conel, Mr. Mark Levinson B. Estrella

DLET Batch 2 Graduates with (From Left to Right) Principal ALS Consultant- Carmelita D. Reodica, District Supervisor- Dr. Gregoria B. Gutierrez, Vice Mayor Rexon V. Arevalo, Mayor Lourdes J. Arcasetas, District ALS Coordinator- Ricardo G. Callos, ALS Education Program Specialist-II , Dr. John Paulo D. Nequinto, Coun. Edilberto T. Sotoya, Nagcarlan Senior Citizen Tech4Ed Center Manager- Eddison DC. Astronomo.

Digital Literacy Enhancement Training
           Certificate of Completion

Under the supervision of ALS Nagcarlan District Coordinator Mr. Ricardo G. Callos and

Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Gregoria B. Gutierrez, the training consists of 10 consecutive days to increase retain ability and applies the learning by doing approach. The first batch had 35 Teacher Applicants lasted until June 18, 2019 and the second batch had 16 Teacher Applicants and their training lasted from July 22, 2019 to August 2, 2019.

The Basic Computer Literacy

Basic Computer Literacy classes is being conducted in a once-a-week session, with 2 different classes offered every day. Strong linkages with the LGU’s and NGO’s and other private stakeholders of the program sustain the program operation. The Department of Information and Communication Technology and the Tech4ED provides new technologies, new platform, content and sustainable model for e-government services which are directed to the people.

Sample Output Resume 

Training support is consistently provided to the beneficiaries. Through texts and messages from facebook accounts, trainees are given assistance on some aspects of the lessons where trainees are not familiar with and less proficient at. Most trainees are given hands-on activities to enhance the skills on computer and internet access. They are provided with extra hand-outs and modules not included on course outline for hand-on exercises.

Basic Computer Literacy Program Matrix

Basic Computer Literacy Certificate of Completion

Following is the statistical data of Basic Computer Beneficiaries:

ALS ANA KALANG Tech4Ed Center: Computer Literacy Class

Basic Computer Literacy Batch 1

The ALS ANA KALANG Tech4Ed Center, since its formal establishment, has been earnest and sincere in its efforts to bring the center closer to the community and its people and in spreading the benefits and advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – guided development programs and projects by offering Basic Computer Literacy Program to the marginalized groups of the community, as well as the Advanced Computer Literacy Program for skills enhancement. The digital literacy training activities serve as a propelling force for the ALS ANA KALANG Tech4Ed Center to operate more effectively and sustain its operation by making its program offerings and services more responsive, efficient, valuable and sustainable. It moves with sheer intentions and determination toward providing our barangay link communities with internet access and the center to provide the general public especially the far-flung and underserved areas with affordable access to a variety of services using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It likewise serves as an effective tool for self-reliance in the delivery of e-government services. The unserved or at most, underserved link communities are provided with internet opportunities for social, economic and political empowerment, active involvement and participation in development programs.

To facilitate speedy delivery of our Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services our center establishes strong bonds/conduit with our Tech4Ed Center partners and stakeholders particularly the Nagcarlan Municipal Council in Laguna, the DENR Central Office, DICT, the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Ana Kalang Chapter and other civic society oriented groups. They help us regulate and sustain its operation through financial and material support for the program. Hand-in hand, our Tech4Ed implementers, ensure the center’s functionality through transfer of knowledge and expertise in social media which they gained from various digital literacy trainings and seminars.

Likewise, inspired by popular support gained by the center, it is further structured to become more functional and conducive for digital literacy learning. Rooms have made spacious and properly ventilated with adequate computer units and paraphernalia, contents and delivery system is simple and comprehensive, that even our active senior citizens in their services in the barangays, can avail of the digital literacy programs. Contents are carefully selected, developed and managed to ensure maximum benefits for our government populace.

The ANA KALANG Tech4Ed Center will remain in the forefront in trying to reduce to the maximum the digital divide within the community by establishing more access points in the link communities and cater to them the digital literacy activities to enable the local government in general and the barangay units in particular to be self-reliant in delivering e-government services.

Carrying Out the Digital Literacy Mission

The ALS ANA KALANG Tech4ED Center, since its formal establishment, has been earnest and sincere in its efforts to bring the CeC closer to the community and its people and in spreading the benefits and advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – guided development programs and projects by offering Basic Computer Literacy Program to the marginalized groups of the community, as well as the Advanced Computer Literacy Program for skills enhancement.

The digital literacy training activities serve as a propelling force for the ALS ANA KALANG Tech4ED Center to operate more effectively and sustain its operation by making its program offerings and services more responsive, efficient, valuable and sustainable. It moves with sheer intentions and determination toward providing our barangay link communities with internet access and the center to provide the general public especially the far-flung and underserved areas with affordable access to a variety of services using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

ALS ANA KALANG Tech4Ed Center Vision

     An Efficient and Effective Delivery System of Government Services to the Community through Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Tech4Ed Launched in ALS Nagcarlan, Laguna

ALS Ana Kalang Manpower Training Center in Nagcarlan, Laguna was ideally chosen to be the pilot center for the TECH4ED program. The TECH4ED as envisioned by the ICT office of DOST is a project of eFilipino program that aim to harness ICT to enable and transform society towards creating and INCLUSIVE, INTEGRATED and EQUITY countryside.

Launching of the program was kicked off by a TECH4ED Center Manager’s Training which was held on March 1, 2016 at Nagcarlan Forest Resort, Nagcarlan, Laguna. Eventually, on the following day, March 2, 2016, TECH4ED was launched highlighted with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement. This big event was graced by the presence of no less than the Division Assistant Superintendent DR. NEIL G. ANGELES, Nagcarlan-Rizal District Supervisor DR. ALLAN G. HOSTALERO, CGMES School Principal DR. IMELDA V. RAMOS, Education Committee Chairman of the Nagcarlan Municipal Council REXON V. AREVALO and her councilor AMELIA M. HERNANDEZ and NELIA B. CONSIGNADO. Also present are the Nagcarlan ALS Implementers headed by the District ALS Coordinator RICARDO G. CALLOS. Principals of the 6 schools with TECH4ED centers were also present in the said event.

ALS Ana Kalang Community e Center (CeC) passed the material requirements for establishing a TECH4ED center. It is spacious with WIFI connectivity and router; with nine (9) units of computers with corresponding tables and chairs and a number of extra tables and chairs for those with personal laptop. The center is manned by two personnel trained for digital literacy. For financial assurance and support, the Municipal Sangguniang Bayan formulated a resolution for the purpose. The Nagcarlan TECH4ED center follows the operating program as: Monday till Friday in a three – shifts schedule: 8:00 A.M – 12:00 Noon; 1:00 P.M – 5:00 P.M; 5:00 P.M – 9:00 P.M. The center will be provided with content modules by the DOST – ICTO to be delivered to the learners during regular digital literacy session. The center is being established to create access points to the unserved and marginalized. Rationale behind the TECH4ED is stipulated in their manuals and is quoted  hereunder as:

Ø  Enabling people to:

·         Upgrade their digital literacy

·         Increase their knowledge and skills set for employment

·         Access Health Professionals for proper health care

·         Start a source of livelihood

·         Improve production, therefore business and income

·         Become entrepreneurs

·         Communicate with family members (OFWs)

·         Open new markets outside their communities

·         Create an Agri - Tourist  Destination

·         Provide direct inputs for projects needed at village level

·         Contribute to ECONOMIC GROWTH

Ø  Enabling government to:

·         Reach and deliver education to more people in the countryside

·         Provide women and homemakers new prospects for income generation and social advancement towards gender equality

·         Initiate capability build-up in rural communities through skills matched trainings

·         Enable Rural Impact Sourcing and Empowerment Projects (RISE)

·         Provides farmers and fishermen with scientific technology for increase productivity and earning

·         Deliver equal and direct government services to all

·         Tailors messages and initiatives to local priorities

·         Shift traditional beliefs and practice towards environment-friendly alternatives.

Establishing ANA KALANG Community eCenter

By virtue of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2012-176, RE: Resolution Enacting an Ordinance Establishing the Community Electronic Center (CeC) in the Municipality of Nagcarlan, Laguna, Regulating Its Operations and for Other Purposes, the ALS ANA KALANG Community Electronic Center (CeC) was formally established in January 26, 2013. This is in consonance with the DOST project dubbed as Implementing the Philippine Community eCenter Roadmap: “Toward a CeC in Every Community” under the Philippine Community eCenter Program or PhilCeC Program.