Aboitiz Foundation enhances integrated computerization program in schools

MANILA, Philippines - Seeing the need for public schools to catch up with advancements in information technology (IT), the Aboitiz Foundation has embarked on a new project that will bring its integrated computerization program to new heights.

The Foundation recently signed a memorandum of agreement with three public schools in Cebu that will have one IT instructor assigned to each school to teach the subject for eight hours a day. These schools are Banilad Elementary School, Camp Lapulapu Night High School and Punta Princesa Night High School.

“As we shift from an industrial to a knowledge economy, information technology will play a key role in our lives,” Aboitiz Foundation president Jon Ramon Aboitiz said in his rationale. “This prompted us to be more aggressive in our campaign to see more schools with access to computers and the capability to use them.”

Under its integrated computerization program, the Foundation donates licensed computer sets, multi-media packages and computer laboratories to deserving public schools throughout the country. It also refurbishes computer laboratories as the need arises to make sure that students have continuous access to computers.

“But that is not where we want to end,” Aboitiz added. “We want to make sure that these programs are sustained, and be assured that what we are giving is well-used and maximized.”

Aboitiz Foundation considers placing computer teachers in public schools and having them teach regular computer classes will supplement its existing equipment donations, thus making its intervention holistic.

The Department of Education currently has no item for computer teachers. In regular public schools, IT is just one part of edukasyong pangkabuhayan and panlipunan (or technology and livelihood education). Making IT a full subject and subsidizing the IT teachers’ salary is how Aboitiz Foundation intends to help.

The project is presently undergoing a test run in the three schools. “After monitoring and evaluating its success, we intend to replicate it next year in other deserving schools so we may extend our assistance to them as well,” EVP and managing trustee Sonny Carpio said.

On behalf of the three school principals, Belinda Navaja of Camp Lapulapu Night High School gratefully accepted the Foundation’s assistance. “We recognize our huge role in this endeavor. It is just right that we do our part in educating our students well, so we may equip them with the right skills that will help them succeed in the future.”