2,000 public high schools to receive computer labs

Article from Inquirer.net

The Department of Education is targeting to equip more than 6,000 public high schools in the country with computer labs this year.

More than 3,950 high schools have so far been given PCs and other equipment, said Paul Soriano, DepEd technical services director.

"We are targeting the remaining 2,000 this year and we have already rolled out more than 6,000 since the year started," Soriano told INQUIRER.net in an interview during the launch of the Skoool.ph website, a collaboration between Intel and DepEd.

DepEd's computerization effort is partly dependent, however, on the Department of Energy's program to provide electricity in remote areas, according to Soriano.

"Most of the regions are already represented," he said, when asked which areas will be covered by this initiative. "We are already moving to fourth- and fifth-class municipalities."

DepEd's goal is to equip all public high schools with PCs in line with a directive from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself.

DepEd has been allocated funds for this project although other agencies such as the DTI and CICT have pitched in. Computer labs were also donated by several private sector groups such as Ayala-led GILAS and Smart Communications, the latter through its Smart Schools.

Partners like Intel have also donated PCs and likewise provide content that enhance learning using technologies such as the Internet.

"DepEd is now trying to integrate providers and harmonize content coming from them so that all high schools will benefit," Soriano said.