SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, recently held a two-day training on Arduino programming and the Internet of Things (IoT).

A total of 20 teachers and students from the Department of Education (DepEd) in Surigao City and Surigao del Norte divisions participated in the training.

DOST Caraga project technical assistant and lead trainer, Ahanes M. Gallardo, explained the significance of Arduino programming as an introductory integrated development environment (IDE) within the dynamic realm of robotics, highlighting the boundless opportunities it offers when combined with IoT devices.

“Arduino programming is based on C and C++ programming languages in which users write code, also known as sketches, which defines how microcontrollers should interact with various components such as sensors, actuators, and displays. These are then uploaded to an Arduino board, where tasks and functions are executed,” explained Gallardo.

Gallardo further said that Arduino programming has a user-friendly interface and extensive community support, making a variety of projects, such as home automation systems, robotic devices, wearable technology, and interactive art installations, more accessible and achievable.

The IoT, on the other hand, refers to a network of interconnected devices with embedded technology that allows for the collection and exchange of data from the internet. Arduino boards can be equipped with networking modules that allow them to connect to the internet and connect with other IoT devices or cloud services. 

Arduino programming and IoT technology can collect, process, and act upon real-time data such as environmental monitoring devices, remote sensing applications, and wearable health trackers.

One of the participants, Jomer M. Jumao-as, a teacher from Taft National High School, shared his learning experience, saying, “As a teacher, robotics seems so hard, but when given the opportunity to get exposed to the basic concepts, tools, and software, we are challenged to create and innovate something from the basics through the additional features taught by the speaker, which we are looking forward to adopting in the future.”

“We will surely encourage students to explore around this venue of learning and exploration of advanced technologies. We dreamt of it before, but now we can see, touch, and venture through it all,” Jumao-as said.

As a student, Lucas Frances G. Buhisan of Caraga Regional Science High School also shared his experience and gratitude for the training.

“This is a way to implement what I have learned for more advanced tools and technologies, catering the way to information, exploration, and outsourcing through Makerspace. This also maximizes the programming techniques and enables us to connect globally, facilitate cultural exchange, and cooperate,” said Buhisan.

The DOST Caraga, through the said comprehensive training initiative, hopes to inspire students and mentors to pursue science and technology careers, harnessing their skills to address the nation's challenges and drive societal progress. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST-Surigao del Norte)