DOST-ICTO launches Tech4Ed Centers at Ligao City

The Department of Science and Technology Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), in partnership with the City Government of Ligao, launched the Tech4Ed at Nasisi Barangay Hall, Ligao City on 15 February 2016.

Tech4Ed coordinator Engr. Antonio B. Bonganay demonstrate Tech4Ed features to Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and participants of the event. Photo courtesy of City Government of Ligao

Tech4Ed is a project designed to “give communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals [1].”

Source: facebook.com/Tech4EDCenters

Two Tech4Ed Centers are established in Ligao City: one in Nasisi servicing Mayon unit and one in Paulba for the upland communities. Each center has three computer units and one IT specialist assigned by the City Government to assist the users. Nasisi Barangay Captain Jurlan N. Buello was thankful to have a Tech4Ed Center in his barangay as this will enhance the learning experience of his constituents and experience online access to government services.

DOST-ICTO Luzon Cluster III Director Reynaldo T. Sy said that Tech4Ed caters to all sectors. Unlike in the previous years, ICT aimed to educate the people, especially students, but with Tech4Ed, ICT now aims to educate various sectors (i.e. indigenous people, government employees, entrepreneurs,students, educators/teachers, OFWs, PWDs, senior citizens, andout of school youths and adults) and give easy access to government services through the internet.

Tech4Ed focal person Engr. Antonio B. Bonganay demonstrated during the launching the features and usage of the technology. Among the features of Tech4Ed are:

• e-EduSkills which include PDF modules for Alternative Learning System learners, the Learning English Applications for Pinoys (LEAP) training software, eSkwela learning modules, Online TESDA courses, and e-Library 
• e-Assist which provides learning materials for entrepreneurs and job seekers including ICT for Financial Literacy, ICT for Entrepreneurs, ICT for Digital Literacy, and ICT for Career Development
• e-Govserve which provides various users access to government services. Among these services include:
• BaLinkBayan for OFWs
• BIR online information
• DTI Registration
• GSIS information
• Application for Birth Certificate and NBI Clearance

With the assistance of a Tech4Ed Center manager, the services can be accessed through tech4ed.com.ph.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua encouraged the participants to use all opportunities for personal growth and career development as these will help them rise from poverty. The advancements in technology make for greater opportunities to disseminate information and deliver services efficiently. The City Government has assigned an IT specialist to facilitate the learning experience of Tech4Ed users in the centers and maximize the usage of these services. Lala Peñafiel/albay3d.blogspot.com


[1] e-Filipino Tech4Ed. Accessed 15 February 2016 at http://icto.dost.gov.ph/major-programs-and-projects/e-filipino/e-filipino-technology-for-the-economic-development-tech4ed/