PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The Department of Information and Technology (DICT) wants to engage with indigenous peoples (IPs) in Palawan as one of the target sectors of digital literacy under the Tech4ED program by 2024.
As DICT strengthens its Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) in communities, provincial director Engr. Virgo Pinangay underscored the need to bring ICT-related programs closer to IPs.
“Actually ang IPs ay target sector din siya ng Tech4Ed, ever since ay hindi pa tayo nakakapag-engage sa IPs natin. Maganda para by next fiscal year, 2024, we will include na i-engage din ang IPs natin para ang ICT services ni DICT ay maiparating din sa kanila,” he said.
The project bridges the digital divide and education by providing access points to individuals and communities. The development includes access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals.
However, Pinangay has not yet mentioned the particular assistance it will extend once they start engaging with the IPs sector through Tech4ED.
DICT Palawan brings the program to underserved and unserved communities through the provision of technical training, digital literacy, and the use of information and technology-related equipment.
On the other hand, it does not limit its services to communities but also to incarcerated individuals to help them communicate with their loved ones.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has partnered with DICT for e-dalaw, or electronic visitation, especially during the height of the pandemic, where movements are restricted and limited.
“Noong nagkaroon tayo ng pandemic, meron tayong Tech4Ed center na nagagamit sa loob before yong e-dalaw, nakikipag-usap sa families. Malaking tulong,” he said.
The jails in Puerto Princesa City and Brooke’s Point town are now utilizing the equipment of DICT. It will soon be used in Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm after their scheduled turnover of equipment this December. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA – Palawan)
