DepEd, private sector ink agreement for tech equipment in public schools

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd), the Betty Bantug Benitez (BBB) Foundation, and Playtech signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a US$100,000 project that aims to provide educational equipment for schools in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The project, which will be implemented by the foundation, will provide 13 Promethian Interactive White Boards to 13 public elementary schools and 200 desktop computers to 7 public high schools.

Education secretary Armin Luistro called the donation "an early Christmas gift" and explained that while "…the first three years of the current administration were spent dealing with backlogs in the number of classrooms, teacher items, textbooks, furniture, and sanitation facilities. The second half will be spent providing schools with something beyond basic resources."

According to Victorias City Rep. Alfredo Benitez, "This is what the private sector can do to help the government in advancing education." He added that while high-tech equipment is good, "…education banks on the effectivity of our teachers. They are the most crucial component."

Luistro also mentioned the "limitless possibilities of technology" and explained that the interactive boards, among other tech gadgets, are being studied by the DepEd to maximize their use in education. "It will be a waste if we use this with the old mode of teaching - the teacher standing in front giving information. We are studying how to use these so that learning becomes interactive. After all, the best way to learn is when the students discover things on their own."

Playtech CEO Moran Weizer explained the advantages of using the whiteboard that connects to the internet and has touch-screen capabilities. "We know that it works. We've tested this in schools in Israel." The company, which is traded on the London Stock Exchange, employs around 1,000 Filipinos in Manila.

Weizer reiterated their commitment to the country. "This is only the first of many steps to further contribute to Philippine society. This is part of our role as a private company."

At present the DepEd target is to provide computer packages for all public high schools with electricity nationwide within 2014. (FREEMAN)