By: Allen Silang, Regional IT Coordinator for Region IVA

Finally, a passport to go IT! An orientation seminar dubbed “IT Passport! License to go IT!” was conducted last January 13, 2010 in CICT to introduce a new certification exam. The seminar was sponsored by the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), in coordination with the Philippine National IT Standards Foundation (PhilNITS) and the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA).

The orientation was a five-hour long session consisting of an overview of the exam and its goals and a sample exam to finish it off.

By: Claire Fernandez

The local government unit of Tanauan, Leyte has been cognizant of the increasing number of barangay officials and other professionals in the locality who are interested to undergo ICT– related trainings.

Noting the fact that the municipal government hosts a Community eCenter (CeC) equipped with 23 computer units, could not readily accommodate the proposed activity on the conduct of computer literacy program considering that it currently serves as an accredited eSkwela Center catering to alternative education for out-of-school youth (OSY) numbering to 150 enrollees.

Written by Neil D. Lopido (PIA News Service, Region 8, Tacloban City)

Tacloban City (February 9) – The National Computer Center (NCC), an agency under the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), will be deploying fifteen new Community eCenters (CeCs) in Eastern Visayas this month of February or March in response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s thrust of empowering local government units (LGUs) in the use of information technology in local governance towards an improved quality public service.

This was disclosed by Claire Fernandez, NCC Regional IT Coordinator, who said that these municipalities which applied for a CeC and passed the criteria for selection through a scorecard include Balangkayan, Giporlos, Balangiga, and Llorente in Eastern Samar; Biri, Laoang, Palapag, and Mapanas in Northern Samar; Pinabacdao and Paranas in Samar; and Mayorga, Javier, Julita, Sta. Fe, and Babatngon in Leyte.

Cash and equipment grants await the best CeC, while a brand new laptop plus scholarship to CeC Academy courses are in store for the best CeC Knowledge Worker in the first ever Philippine Community eCenter Excellence Awards!

With the aim of recognizing the exemplary performances of Community eCenters (CeCs) and CeC knowledge workers in the country, the Commission on ICT (CICT), through the Philippine CeC Project Management Office (PhilCeC PMO), has set out to commend worthy individuals manning the CeCs, and give due recognition to successful telecenters in the local scene.