E-LEARNING CENTER. The provincial library of Negros Occidental has opened a Tech4ED Center, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, to cater to Negrenses who have minimal or no access to information and government services. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (standing, 2nd from right) leads the launching, with (from left) Provincial Librarian Rio Lynne Panisa, DICT-Negros Occidental head Romeo Tome, and Provincial Board Secretary Maki Angel Ascalon on Monday (Nov. 18, 2019). (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY -- The Negros Occidental Provincial Library has opened a Tech4ED (Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development) Center to deliver electronic and information technology services to more Negrenses.
The project, implemented in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is the second launched by the provincial government after the one hosted by Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC).
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the launching on Monday with DICT Provincial Officer Romeo Tome, said that despite the advent of digital age, not everyone has access to modern technology and libraries remain a viable option for learning and gathering information.
“The specialized programs of the Tech4Ed for those in need of skills training will be a big boost for empowerment and development,” the governor said.
Target clients are those who have minimal or no access to information and government services.
Provincial Librarian Rio Lynne Panisa said the center is now open to the public, who can access e-books and e-government services using the computer facilities.
Located in the north wing of the Capitol building, the library has space for three units of computers procured by the provincial government, and another three that will later be provided by the DICT.
Panisa said they will eventually offer digital literacy training.
The DICT, through the Tech4ED Project, aims to provide access for individuals and communities to bridge the digital and education divide and promote grassroots development and opportunities for inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
In July this year, the NOLITC Tech4ED Center, which was launched in 2016, was awarded by the DICT as the top-performing Tech4ED hub in the Visayas Cluster 1.
In 2018, the DICT elevated NOLITC to the Hall of Fame of the National Tech4ED Awards after three years of being a Center for Excellence, for achieving consistent exemplary performance in delivering sustainable ICT-enabled services and for exhibiting commendable impact in the growth and development of the community. (PNA)
