QUEZON CITY -- On October 6, 2021, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) continues the rollout of its Cybersafe Learning Project with the donation of 50 laptops to the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.

“Importante po talaga ang connectivity since we have to raise our level of understanding of the value of ICT-driven growth,” DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” B. Honasan II said. “This initiative is going to be a long-term collaboration since we intend to future-proof all our programs for sustainability,” he added.

Secretary Honasan led the virtual turnover ceremony, with the learning tools officially received by Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan.

“Northern Samar is badly needing connectivity dahil po 20th poorest province po kami in the entire Philippines. Nahihirapan po yung mga estudyante namin sa pag connect lalo na sa colleges. Ito po yung kailangan namin talaga para po makatulong kami sa mga estudyante namin,” Governor Ongchuan stated.

“At the same time para rin sa COVID at sa pag implement po ng mga vaccines, malaking bagay po ito sa coordination ng aming mga stocks sa vaccines province wide,” he added.

The partnership aims to provide necessary ICT tools to the province and help promote accessibility to government information, democratize public services, as well as assist the educational sector in the new normal.

During the virtual discussion, Secretary Honasan emphasized the importance of ICT, particularly connectivity and online learning tools, in the delivery of basic needs such as educational services.

“Through our initiatives, we hope to reach more communities, especially those located in remote and far-flung areas, to establish a more inclusive landscape for online and blending learning,” Secretary Honasan stated. (DICT)