THE Mandaue City Government signed yesterday a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the implementation of the eFilipino Technology Economic Development (Tech4Ed) project in the city.
Mandaue and Naga City, which also signed the same agreement yesterday, will be the pilot areas for the government agency’s project.
Through the Tech4Ed, individuals like out-of-school youth will have access to the internet “to bridge the digital and education divide to promote grassroot development for inclusive growth and poverty reduction.”
Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes and DOST Assistant Secretary Beatrice Quimson signed the MOA.
The eFilipino Techno Center will be constructed or provided by the LGU.
According to the DOST, the center will serve as the hub for the community to have access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets and business portals, giving individuals and communities in rural and urban areas an opportunity for inclusive growth.
In an interview, Quimson said P66 million was allocated for the project nationwide.
“It is not enough to put up all the centers that’s why we are partnering with other LGUs like Mandaue who will set up the centers and we will put in all the contents and provide the necessary trainings to give equal opportunities to everybody,” Quimson told reporters.
Courses
According to the MOA, the LGU may open at least three Tech4Ed Centers within their jurisdiction.
The LGU should also provide at least three laptop units or computers per center. A software program will be installed in the computers.
There are six segments in the program including e-EduSkills, e-Assist, e-Health, m-Agri, m-Market and e-GovServ.
Based on the presentation showed by project consultant Clarissa Navarro, an Alternative Learning Eskwela, which will be useful to out-of-school youth, can be accessed.
A Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) skills training program and grammar, vocabulary and speech are also available.
A program on how to save money and invest is also offered.
Cortes welcomed the project for his constituents. “This program is precisely the tool to level the playing field and allow economic growth,” he said in his speech.