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.