DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement last March 15 to provide free WiFi and learning modules to DTI’s Negosyo Centers.
Through the agreement, DICT will provide selected DTI Negosyo Centers with free internet access, ICT equipment, and access to its Tech4ED Project.
DICT’s PipolKonek Project gives free internet access to public places such as public schools, libraries, and local government units. To date, PipolKonek has provided internet access to 44 out of the 805 Negosyo Centers.
Negosyo Centers will also carry DICT’s Tech4ED Project, a platform that offers digital literacy and other skills training; an eMarketplace; and a one-stop-shop for government applications.
Tech4ED offers “ICT for Entrepreneurs,” where micro entrepreneurs are trained to create their own website and use the internet to increase their market reach.
“This convergence of the DICT and DTI will arm the entrepreneurs, especially in the regions, with the tools they need to develop and innovate on their products and conduct their business online. Connectivity and digital literacy are the future-proof ways to help those at the bottom of the pyramid,” said Lopez. (PR)