UTILIZING ICT'S SOCIETAL POWER TOWARDS MITIGATING DIGITAL GAP

UTILIZING ICT'S SOCIETAL POWER TOWARDS MITIGATING DIGITAL GAP

Digital education has become a crucial component of the information society's advancement. This aspect affects every member of the teaching and learning community and raises serious difficulties, particularly with the ability to utilize the tools needed and understanding academic concepts.

Another issue that our community is dealing with is the digital divide, which refers to the gap between the ones who have access to technological innovations and those who do not. In order to bridge this, equal opportunity to use digital technologies by way of digital divide education is vital to succeed in education, job opportunities, and other facets of life. Thus, incorporation of innovative technological resources in education necessitates significant changes in the methodological approach as well as the structure of the educational procedure.

Recognizing the demand to equip Filipinos to cope and excel in the rapidly changing technological landscape, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is bolstering the Technology Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development (Tech4ED) program's implementation all throughout the nation.

The Tech4ED project offers platforms for people as well as communities in order to link digital and education. This initiative encourages grassroots development opportunities for inclusive progress and the reduction of poverty.

With the goal of bridging the digital divide in Region IV-A's agri-fisheries sector, the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON, led by the Training Center Superintendent II, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, and DICT, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Institute's e-Extension Hub as the new Tech4ED Center last October 25, 2023. DA-ATI CALABARZON became the country's first Regional Training Center (RTC) to be designated as a Tech4ED Center. The aforementioned activity was held at the Center’s Training Hall in Trece Martires City, Cavite. 

Along with Dr. Maningas, Ms. Maridelle Jaurigue, Chief of the DA-ATI CALABARZON Information Services Section, DICT Region IV Director Ms. Cheryl C. Ortega, Regional Focal Ms. Ritchell Arquilita, Cavite Provincial Head Engr. Melanio Mamalateo, as well as Cavite Provincial Focal Engr. John Philip Tan were present at the DA-ATI CALABARZON MOU signing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

 Dr. Maningas remains committed to providing education in information technology programs for the entire region in order to boost the beneficial effects of ICT for individual and societal growth.

The Center Director will always stand by DICT's aspirations and mission in propagating initiatives like this as DA-ATI CALABARZON believes that this will not only enable Filipinos to advance independently but will also have an impact on community growth and development while helping to fortify the regional digital economic systems.