42 schools join DICT’s Tech4ED

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – Some 42 elementary and secondary schools here are now officially part of the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). 

Cheryl Ortega of DICT Luzon Cluster II director, said the education sector is one of the creative areas that will be helpful in bridging the digital divide which poses a great challenge, report from the Philippine Information Agency (Pangasinan) said.

The Tech4ED launch on Wednesday was specifically for the Department of Education-Dagupan City Schools Division. A memorandum of agreement was held to formalize the collaboration.

 “What is connectivity and technology if there is no meaningful content and service? This is where Tech4ED comes in and serves as a catalyst of change so that the way we do things is enhanced,” Ortega said.

Tech4ED addresses different sectors of the community like women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and out-of-school youths.  

Partnering with the DepEd in promoting the use of ICT in education is very vital, Ortega said.

“We are now partners, all existing ICT-based facilities will be equipped with learning management system which will give them (the students and teachers) unlimited access in terms of education, financial literacy and other relevant trainings,”  Ortega noted.

Dagupan  schools division superintendent Froserfina Bravo lauded the partnership, saying Tech4Ed is a “God-sent surprise” to the schools. 

“Tech4ED is a laudable project which will enhance the performance of our students and assist the children to get better jobs and better future,” Bravo said.

Mayor Belen Fernandez  said she has seen many changes for Dagupeños and that Tech4ED has  an important role in the development of the students and in making Dagupan attuned to its goal of becoming a smart city. 

DICT’s Tech4ED was created to develop ways and means   to improve various  sectors encompassing a lot of digitally abled citizens. It has four areas that include: eLearning and demand, special content, marketplace and job portal.