By Leilanie Adriano/PNA
LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte Schools Division Office (INSDO) is hoping to raise PHP1.5 million to put up three wi-fi internet towers for teachers and learners in the province.
To jumpstart the fund-raising drive, a 15-feet tall “Christmas Tree para sa ICT” was launched in front of their office on Monday afternoon where employees and visitors purchased Christmas accessories from the division’s cash unit, which served as their donations for the project.
Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda said seeing everyone’s excitement to decorate the Christmas tree for a cause gives new meaning to the 21st century education of Filipino learners.
“An act of gratitude is to share the blessings we receive for the children of Ilocos Norte. We have more than 4,000 staff and if we contribute at least PHP100, that will be close to half million,” said Eda as she enjoined everyone to share their blessings after receiving their bonuses and productivity incentives from the government.
In support of the Department of Education’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Integration for K-12 learners, the schools’ division through its ICT department, always wanted to have better communication services in schools, particularly in remote areas, but cannot do so due to limited funds of schools.
“It has always been a challenge on our part to bring quality ICT education not just in urban but also in rural areas. But with your support to finance this project, we can do the impossible,” said Kenneth Tabios, ICT coordinator of DepEd Ilocos Norte.
For a better communication service, Tabios explained a point to point connection is needed to connect the schools’ division office to the Burgos Agro-Industrial School in Burgos town for example. Due to the Pasuquin mountain range which bars the signal, another internet tower is also being considered in Bayog or Paayas village to boost internet connectivity in the area.
“This is an old technology, but it is being used by many companies. The higher the obstacle, we need to make the equipment higher,” he added.
In the spirit of gift giving this Christmas, the schools division is inviting concerned stakeholders of DepEd including friends and relatives abroad to help in the advocacy for the future of Ilocos children.
By helping decorate the giant Christmas tree, young learners of the province are close to achieving a seamless internet connection they deserved.
The Christmas decors consisting of stars, angels, colorful balls, flowers, leaves and bells are priced from Php50,000 to Php200.
