Samsung helps bridge RP’s ‘digital divide’

It has always been Samsung Electronics’ conviction that science and technology (S&T) is the most important factor for national economic growth and a source of competitive advantage.

Recognition of this fact has led technologically progressive nations and firms to invest substantial resources in research and development (R&D), technology acquisition and adaptation, S&T education and training, and S&T infrastructure

Here in the Philippines, no less than President Arroyo has identified S&T as a principal means to fuel the nation’s economy and ensure the well-being of all Filipinos. In order to close the gap between the country and its global neighbors, the government came up with the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan, wherein the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will pursue programs and activities guided by the principles of competence, competitiveness and conscience.

"First of all, we will be implementing high priority flagship programs to develop competence and competitiveness and address the needs of the poor and the disadvantaged. Secondly, by strengthening and giving sharper focus on continuing programs in science and technology to make them more relevant to the goals and thrusts of the current administration. And last but not the least, improving S&T governance and management, including institutional reforms for a more productive and efficient science community," Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Estrella Alabastro said.

Focusing on the Filipino youth, the DOST came up with the S&T Human Resources Development Program to encourage investment in education and S&T in order to raise Philippine productivity to international benchmarks.

"Pursuant to Republic Act 7687, enhancing S&T awareness and consciousness is a necessary first step in creating a culture of innovation and in heightening appreciation of S&T potential for solving the country’s socio-economic problems. What’s more, it is also great to know that companies are also doing their share in developing our youth through S&T," Alabastro said.

One of these companies is Samsung Electronics, which recently launched its "Samsung DigitAll Hope" in Australia, Singapore, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The regional social program will donate $600,000 to be divided among various organizations from the eight countries supporting the use of technology to improve the lives of the youth and helping bridge the "digital divide."

The theme for 2003 is "Live Your Dream," which focuses on fulfilling the dreams of young people.

The Salesians Society of Don Bosco’s project proposal of integrating e-learning into its training centers for the marginalized youth is the Philippines’ winning entry in the "Samsung DigitAll Hope."

One of the main apostolates of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Philippines is to provide employable skills to the marginalized youth through its manpower skills training centers.

The organization has seriously considered adopting e-learning in its centers, confident that this will lead to greater efficiency, cut down instructional cost and expose the trainees to information technology.

The program consists of four main components:

• Equip the different Don Bosco schools and training centers with the required equipment, facilities and network infrastructure to implement e-learning in their classes;

• Strengthen the capability of the program in developing coursewares by complementing the existing courseware development facility with additional equipment and tools;

• Equip the trainers of the different Don Bosco training centers with skills and competence in the use of e-learning systems; and

• Develop customized coursewares for Don Bosco training centers which will also be made available to other technical vocational training centers locally and internationally.

Supporting the youth-themed program of Don Bosco is just a part of Samsung’s commitment to give back to the countries where it operates.

"When we looked at what was being done in the country, on a social level, we realized that much more was needed. Samsung DigitAll Hope has chosen the right program to support since it promotes the use of information technology for marginalized youth. Perhaps, through Samsung’s efforts, it could influence other companies to get involved in social programs as well," Alabastro said.