DAVAO ORIENTAL (August 21) – Residents of Davao Oriental’s Happy Home – the country’s first and only halfway house for former rebels, are now even more empowered to improve and transform their lives as they embrace what new technology has to offer through the innovative Tech4Ed Center.
The Tech4Ed is a computer-based educational platform brimming with programs for learning ranging from English competency, financial literacy, farming technologies, and research among many others, explains Engr. Amelia Dean, OIC Regional Operations and Coordination Services of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).
“These centers serve as delivery channels of ICT-enabled services and government services to reach rural areas. We are nationwide. We also serve as training hub to educate the public on digital literacy and to raise awareness on the importance of ICT,” she said.
The Tech4Ed also features other services such as facilitation of online jobs and connecting entrepreneurs to reach their markets.
With partnership with Business Process Outsourcing companies, the DICT also supports training for individuals to become home-based online call center agents.
She said that amid the digital age wherein technology has a huge effect on the people’s everyday lives, the government is working seriously to equip everyone, especially the marginalized sector, to boost their chance of employment and livelihood and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic development.
“One of our major roles of DICT is to empower people by equipping them with skills and open more job opportunities enabling them to transform their lives and collectively transform their community they belong,” she added, stressing that the bottom-line of all these efforts is to mainly to address poverty.
During the launching, the former rebels, who are mostly first-time computer-users, say they are thrilled and excited to try out the new platform.
“We are very excited because this is new to us. It’s an interesting way to learn which motivates us to study. I think it would really help us a lot,” said one of the nine former rebels currently housed at the Happy Home.
Provincial Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Ednar Dayanghirang lauded the innovative program which he says an effective way to address the root causes of insurgency which is primarily poverty.
“By providing access to new technology poised to improve people’s lives is one way of showing how serious the government is in pulling people out from poverty,” he said.
Civil-Military Officer of the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade Cpt. Reyboy Ibanes said that the newly launched program sends a strong message to rebels who are still running from the government.
“Some may think that this is a simple project but the impact of this in terms of addressing insurgency is very huge,” he said, adding that the program would entice more rebels to surrender as it shows how the government means to provide opportunities for them.
The Tech4Ed centers consist of brand new computer units, programs for the Tech4Ed platform, trainings, and technical assistance from the DICT. To further push for digital literacy and internet access, the DICT is in the works at developing free wifi in public places all over the country. By Karen Lou Deloso/ NewsLine
