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Friday, December 02, 2005
US IT program presents Mindanao grads
By Stephen Capillas
BRIDGING the digital divide was the running theme for Thursday's graduation of the Cisco-Information Technology Trainer's Course sponsored by the technology firm along with the US Agency for International Development (Usaid) and the Growth With Equity (GEM) Mindanao.
In separate speeches delivered during the program, proponents voiced hopes the activity would help expand access and skills for its beneficiaries in students in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) and other conflict-affected areas in Mindanao (CAAM).
The course is part of GEM's Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Program. The CISCO-USAID/CLIC project introduces the Cisco Networking Academy Program.
Project proponents said it is a hands-on, lab-oriented program providing skills-training on assembling a computer and installing an operating system, among other skills.
The eight Cisco "IT Essentials" certified instructors are: Marlon M. Garrigues of Upi Agricultural School (Upi, Maguindanao), Zosimo B. Gomez of Ma. Cristina National High School (Iligan City), Jaymar I. Pael of Maluso National High School (Maluso, Basilan), Hilario C. Abuda of Sulu High School (Jolo, Sulu), Letecia R.Cresmundo of Ayala National High School (Zamboanga City), Andreus J. Hansen of Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial National High School (Zamboanga City), Alexander D. Lanipa of Vitali National High School (Zamboanga City), and Michael G. Rute of Zamboanga City National High School - Main (Zamboanga City).
The course is expected to help prepare students for the CompTIA's A+ certification, an internationally-recognized, entry-level employability credential.
In her speech, Regional Manager Sandy Walsh of Cisco Networking Academy Program-Asia Pacific, Cisco Systems said their firm's contribution to the program involves aiding in the creation of a "highly skilled labor force" that could be competitive abroad.
"This is part of the company's social responsibility...it is not donating cash but its technological expertise (as part of efforts) to funding social capital," she said.
Later, GEM's Deputy Project Manager for Education and Governance Michael Langsdorf said they are hopeful the program would help provide educational and vocational opportunities for students in Mindanao.
He said through Internet access Mindanao students in conflict areas can access technologies relevant to their communities like farming and fishing.
For his part, Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) Emmanuel Lallana said the program ties in with goals by world officials who participated in the recent Internet Governance Stakeholders's Forum of bringing Internet access to the rural communities.
(December 2, 2005 issue)
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