BLAS Ople Foundation heeded the call for computer literacy as it provides basic computer skill training to 140 individuals in the region, enabling them to surf the internet.

The foundation completes the tripartite project of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) and Microsoft Philippines.

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Susan Ople, president of the Blas F. Ople Foundation, said “computer literacy is very important for families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW).”

Students from Baguio City, Sablan, La Trinidad and Itogon from Benguet province were given skills on basic computer handling and are about to embark on advanced courses of AutoCad, Photoshop and MediaShop.

Ople said “most of the scholars are older and some senior citizens who have children working abroad.” Each course lasts for two weeks.

The Owwa-Microsoft Tulay Alumni Organization in Baguio City said enrollment is growing every month by batches of 20. By 2010 a 100 percent growth is targeted.

Basic computer training at schools costs P5,000 to P10,000 at the least.

“They can now use Facebook and Skype to talk to their loved ones every day,” Ople said.

The program aims to help OFWs and their immediate family access the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a way of communicating to each other.

Ople, said her father as a former secretary of the Dole took steps and initiatives in harnessing the skills and capability of Filipino workers to be competitive both local and abroad.

“We created the foundation in order to continue the legacy of my father’s dream in giving aid and support to the OFW and their immediate family,” the younger Ople said.

At the end of the course, the scholars will know basic computer skills concepts and applications to be used to communicate via webcam, email and other modes or alternatives used in information and communication technology. (Ma. Elena Catajan)