By Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up efforts to expand digital access in public schools by launching a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Learning Resource Center at a Manila school, as part of a push to close the digital divide ahead of the opening of classes.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, together with Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the ICT Learning Resource Center at the Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Pandacan on Wednesday.
DepEd said the modern facility was established through a partnership between DepEd and the Embassy of Israel as part of commemorations for Israel’s 78th Independence Day, reflecting the long-standing diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Israel.
“The Israeli Embassy, the Israeli people, Ambassador Dana Kirsch, it was a very kind gesture. Sabi ko nga it builds on the existing good relations and good history that the Philippines and Israel have had together matagal na, ilang dekada na po,” Angara said in an interview during the launch.
Kursh said the project reflects a forward-looking investment in education and youth development, emphasizing long-term gains over short-term infrastructure support.
The Embassy of Israel has also committed to continuing support of the facility’s management to ensure sustained access for learners beyond regular school hours.
Angara, meanwhile, stressed the relevance of the partnership given Israel’s strong focus on research and development, including innovation-driven education.
“I think it’s very timely because Israel is known [for], I think 6 percent of its GDP (gross domestic product) in R&D (research and development), innovation, and education, something the Philippines would emulate,” he said.
Angara noted that the Philippines has been increasing its investment in the education sector, citing recent increases in education spending and the 4% budget allocation to education from the country’s GDP for the first time.
He said a key focus of the administration is addressing inequality in access to digital learning, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to bridge the digital divide in public education.
“The President has spoken about the digital divide. Ayaw niya yung mga mayayaman, yung mga may kaya, yun lang may makakuha ng digital skills. Kaya instruction niya kung anong meron sa mga pribadong eskwela, nakukuha ng mga anak na mayaman, makuha rin po ng mga nasa publikong pang-eskwela,” Angara said.
DepEd said the ICT hub is part of wider initiatives to expand school connectivity and improve access to digital learning tools across the public education system, especially as millions of students return to school on June 8.
The ICT Learning Resource Center is equipped with computers, learning tools, modern furniture, and a reading nook, and is designed to function as a multi-purpose space where students can access digital resources, conduct research, complete assignments, and develop 21st-century skills.
The facility would also help teachers integrate technology-based instruction into classrooms, supporting broader efforts to modernize public education.
Meanwhile, Angara noted that the country is slowly addressing problems in the education sector, specifically the lack of adequate classrooms.
He stressed the importance of President Marcos’ full support for the DepEd.
“I think ang nakikita natin is lumalaki-laki yung agwat kasi tulo lang yung binibigay natin, ngayon buhos na yung binibigay ng Pangulo kasi we have the budget and we really have to implement it well,” Angara said.
“If we continue this for the next 10 years, sabi nga ng EDCOM (Congressional Commission on Education), we’d really solve this problem. But we can’t do it overnight. By the end of the year, we’ll have put at least 20,000 plus classrooms online. So that’s a significant dent in the over 100,000 gaps that we have now. Hopefully,” he added.
