Thursday, September 27, 2007 Techno fair opens in Koronadal Thursday
KORONADAL CITY -- At least 500 students, teachers, and representatives from various sectors will gather here Thursday for the two-day Open Technology Fair 2007, the first-ever event in the area that will highlight the Free and Open Source Software (Foss) as well as latest agricultural and industrial technologies.
The Open Technology Fair, slated September 27-28 at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS) gymnasium, is an initiative of the KNCHS Information and Communication Techlogy students, teachers, and Foss advocates in the city.
June Angelie Muyco, one of the lead organizers, said they launched the activity to help promote awareness on Foss at the "grassroots of the educational system."
"We felt the need to organize this kind of activity to prop up the interest of young students, like us, about Foss, Linux, and other open systems," said Muyco, a junior student of KNCHS.
Fernando Hilomen, KNCHS principal, said they would present the integration of Linux systems and Foss in the school's computer education curriculum as well as recognize the achievements of the students under the program.
"Through this, students will be able to unleash their creativity, convey Foss information more dynamically, and collaborate to create innovative projects," he said.
The activities include lectures on Foss, technical-vocational and ICT programs of the government, contests, booth displays, and fun games.
Organizers will also present a statement of support and signatures endorsing House Bill 1716 or the "Free and Open Source Software Act of 2007."
The proposed measure, filed by Bayan Muna party list Rep. Teodoro Casiño, mandated the use of Foss and open standards in government departments and educational institutions.
Casiño initially filed the proposed Foss Act in the 13th Congress but was overtaken by its adjournment earlier this year. He has filed again the proposed law in the 14th Congress.
The event will be graced by Dr. Francisco Sarmiento, project officer of the United Nations Development Program-International Open Source Network (UNDP-IOSN)-Asean+3 and officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.
The KNCHS ICT Education Program formally adopted Foss in 2006 following the installation of a Linux computer laboratory granted by the DTI's PC for Public Schools Phase 3 (PCPS).
The DTI has installed at least 14 Linux computer laboratories in this city and various parts of South Cotabato under the PCPS-3. (AVE)
