By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—At least 41 information hubs (i-hubs) in the province are now ready to embark on a new level of technology-infused education program to empower more Ilocanos living in rural communities.
In partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology (DOST-ICT) office, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte under the administration of Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos launched on April 7 the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) project which aims to establish centers in rural and underserved areas to have better access to ICT services, learning resources and opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
The Tech4ED platform is being offered by the DOST-ICT to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of their level of education and economic status.
Targeting mostly out-of-school youths, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and any individual who is interested to expand his knowledge and skills for economic development, Zendy Sollano of the DOST-ICT for Tech4Ed program said Ilocos Norte is more than ready for the establishment of the centers with its in place infrastructure.
“Ilocos Norte i-hubs have excellent equipment and this makes your province ready. Hopefully, the people will know that there is such as center where they could go to,” she said following the Tech4ED launching program held at the pioneering i-hub center and provincial library based at the second floor of the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.
For example, out of school youths who are interested to study ALS (Alternative Learning System) can go to the center and avail of its digital version equipped with video and audio.
Compared to attending traditional teacher-student classroom discussion, a learner can learn at his own phase via interactive learning format with the aid of a computer with internet connectivity.
Key services under Tech4ED are eGovServ for government transactions such as applications for birth certificate, driver’s license and clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), among others; eEduSkills for learning on demand, including the Alternative Learning System and courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and eAssist, which aims to enhance digital and financial literacy.
Meanwhile, a two-day training was conducted on April 6 to 7, 2016 for local ICT coordinators of municipal and school i-hubs which include librarians from the Mariano Marcos State University.