ICT Amplified Vol. 2 No. 2

EDITORIAL BOARD

PUBLISHER

Cheryl C. Ortega

Regional Director

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dr. Maria Graciela R. Bucad

Head-Technical Operations Division

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Raiza Joyce A. Mendoza

Evelyn Rose S. Hernandez

LAYOUT ARTISTS

John Patrick L. Hernandez

Irvin T. Obcemane

Laarni F. Tolentino

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS

Rex Aguila

Mary Rose Cortez

Jose Carmelo Cueto

Hazel Pagao

Mary Joy Rivera

John Patrick L. Hernandez

CONTENTS

1. DIGITAL LITERACY AND INTERNET MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY TRAININGS

3. MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT SUMMIT 2022

4. DICT REGION IV: AN ACCREDITED CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) PROVIDER

5 . DIGITALJOBSPH TECHNICAL TRAININGS: CHANNEL TO EMPOWER FREELANCERS, MSMES, TEACHERS, AND PWDS

7. REVOLUTIONIZING EDUCATION: HOW THE KARITON KLASRUM NI KATOTO MOBILE TECH4ED CENTER HAS BROUGHT BRIGHTER FUTURE TO THE YOUTH OF PAETE, LAGUNA

9. GAWAD PASASALAMAT AT PARANGAL 2022: A TRIBUTE TO THE MODERN HEROES OF PANDEMIC

11. PHILIPPINE STARTUP CHALLENGE (PSC) SEVEN: REGIONAL PITCHING COMPETITION

12. DICT R4A-CERT-PH, ON THE MOVE FOR A CYBERSAFE CALABARZON

13. NEW CHANCECS AMIDST THE PANDEMIC: THE STORY OF BRINGING HOPE FOR THE PDLS OF GMA MUNICIPAL JAIL TECH4ED CENTER

15. SUPER TYPHOON KARDING OPERATIONS: GETT IN MOTION

16. EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATIONS CLUSTER (ETC) JAMBOREE: A CALL FOR AN ENHANCED DISASTER RESPONSE EFFORTS

2022 opened up new horizons for us in alignment with the facilitation of the transition following the approved Regionalization initiative of the DICT. Officially starting in April 2022, we have continued our hearts of public service and efforts in dedicating ourselves towards the betterment of the quality of life for the people of CALABARZON, being the DICT Region IV-A.

Being regionally engaged in bringing ICT closer to the people of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, it is humbling to look back that in those eight months of 2022 marking our initial milestone on this adventure, we have surpassed beyond our targets in the spirit of true and meaningful service. Realizing the effective outcome and success stories anchored on our programs and projects delivery, I extend my appreciation to the DICT executives, for the unwavering support and guidance that has significantly contributed to our region’s success.

"

I am likewise sharing the triumph with my Region IV-A colleagues. I salute everyone’s dedication and commitment on serving our people. Together, we have ended 2022 in flying colors, with high hopes fervently burning in our hearts in the passion of “Para sa Bayan”.

Indeed, a year’s end means the beginning of a new one, with new possibilities. And for that, I am thrilled and looking forward to the upcoming year, as the DICT Region IV-A takes the flight, as we soar onwards to 2023.

- Dir. Cheryl C. Ortega Director, Regions IV-A and IV-B

We in the DICT have a very peculiar mandate—a directive that cuts across all government agencies. We are directed to ensure that through digitalization, through Information and Communications Technology, we will be able to deliver to the Filipino people a better government, a more efficient government, a government that is easier to transact with, a government that is more competent, and a government that is not corrupt

- Sec. Ivan John Uy DICT Secretary

DIGITAL LITERACY AND INTERNET MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY TRAININGS

By: Engr. Rex Aguila Ms. Mary Joy Rivera

To continue the DICT’s mission to bridge the digital divide in the country, the DICT Free WiFi for All Program under the Capacity Development Team provided Digital Literacy (DL) and Internet Media and Information Literacy (IMIL) trainings for specialized sectors around CALABARZON.

The DL trainings provide basic information on ICT-related subject that will help enhance the knowledge of participants and provide them with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. It has various modules that will be suitable to the needs of the trainees. While, the IMIL training is designed to orient people about the Internet and its uses, applications, and benefits to the public. It specifically aims to provide information on the Free WiFi Internet usage and applications. In 2022, the capacity development team successfully trained 10,261 participants and conducted 45 DL Trainings and 34 IMIL Trainings for the specialized sectors from Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Indigenous People (IPs), Senior Citizen, and Municipal Youths in the region. The trainings always leave an important and essential knowledge where the trainees were always thankful for the effort and prioritization given to them to learn, to explore and be literate on the ICT and gave them the confidence and understanding against the challenges of our Technology-phase era.

MORE FREE WIFI SITES ARE NOW ACTIVATED IN THE STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS) WITHIN THE CALABARZON REGION!

The year 2022 is the year that we are recovering and stated to adopt the New Normal brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic. With this, we are slowly transitioning from remote or online activities to blended approach. The Free WiFi for All program prioritizes the SUCs and its eager students to help them cope up with blended learning and face-to-face classes. The Free WiFi for All program activated the Free WiFi sites at various SUCs in CALABARZON in order to prioritize the schools and its eager students to support them in adopting the blended learning and face-to-face classes in the new normal. Together with the activation of the Free WiFi sites, the program launched 40 locations with 180 access points around the region in partnership with the various school institutions and Local Government Units. These campaign activities at different schools and colleges proved to be helpful in emphasizing the value and in providing essential details of the program.

MERRY WORKING CHRISTMAS: DICT’S ONLINE KAMUSTAHAN SA PAARALAN SA GIDAs

Despite and in line with the holiday seasons, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. graced the event entitled, “DICT's Online Kamustahan sa Paaralan sa Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs)”. Through the Broadband ng Masa, PBBM and DICT Secretary, Atty. Ivan John E. Uy, together with DICT Executives and Regional Directors virtually marched in full force in line with DICT's aim of connecting schools in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.

Our very own DICT Region IV-A, spearheaded by Director Cheryl C. Ortega, is honored to have served as the platform by which GIDA school in Villa Espina, in Lopez, Quezon is now connected.

MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT SUMMIT 2022

By: Mary Rose Cortez

The DICT CALABARZON through the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau or ILCDB in its continuous pursuit towards ICT capacity development for Filipinos, successfully held the DICT Region IV Multi-Stakeholders Engagement Summit last December 16, 2022 via Zoom platform.

This event has highlighted the programs, activities and projects of DICT Region IV-A and recognized the department’s forged partnerships with various institutions that have greatly contributed to the success of its project implementation in CALABARZON.

The event was attended by various National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Training Institutions and Industries in the region.

Three (3) NGAs, six (6) LGUs, seven (7) SUCs/HEIs, three (3) Industries and one (1) Training Institution were able to pledge their commitment during the Summit. The involved entities include the Department of Trade and Industry Quezon and Rizal, Philippine Information Agency CALABARZON, LGU Imus, LGU Tagkawayan Quezon, Cavite Provincial Library, LGU Carmona, LGU GMA, University of Rizal System, Cavite State University, City College of Tagaytay, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Batangas State University, PHINMA Education Laguna Network, Southern Luzon State University, Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc. Digiworkz Carmona Service Corporation, KMH Web and Tech Solutions and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

DICT Region IV: Now an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provider

By: Mary Rose Cortez

In 2021, it was a remarkable accomplishment for the region to have been accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as a CPD provider for both licensed professional teachers and electronics engineers, but this year, another profession has been added to our list. We have received the accreditation as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provider for Certified Public Accountants (CPA). The department’s offered free training courses will be of great assistance to these professionals during the renewal of their PRC licenses since CPD unit is a mandatory requirement.

DICT Region IV-A's CPD program covers a wide range of topics related to information and communications technology, such as cybersecurity, data privacy, cloud computing, and emerging technologies. The courses are designed to cater to the needs of different professionals, from entry-level to senior-level positions.

The DICT Region IV-A CPD program has been well-received by professionals in the region. It has been praised for its relevance to the current trends in the industry and for the quality of the courses. The program has also been commended on being offered for free, making it accessible to professionals from different backgrounds.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology Region IV-A will continue to work together with our partner stakeholders in sharing knowledge, skills and expertise through our projects, activities and programs related to Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

DIGITALJOBSPH TECHNICAL TRAININGS:

CHANNEL TO EMPOWER FREELANCERS, MSMES, TEACHERS, AND PWDS

By: Mr. John Patrick Hernandez

DigitaljobsPH, a DICT program that connects Filipino freelancers with international clients, aims to empower individuals through technical trainings that enhance their skills and increase their earning potential. Through the DigitaljobsPH, the DICT Region IV-A has conducted a total of eleven (11) technical training programs for freelancers, with a total of 336 graduates and generated sales of Php 462,998.21 for year 2022. These training courses are designed to equip freelancers with the necessary technical skills to excel in their respective fields.

Through the same program, the DICT also conducted two (2) technical training programs for MSMEs, with a total of Php 98,369.75 generated sales, focused at helping MSMEs leverage digital technologies to grow their businesses. The MSME technical training programs have helped many business owners improve their online presence and increase their revenue.

Moreover, the project also recognizes the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary skills to integrate technology into their classrooms. Thus, a technical training program for teachers, with 36 graduates was conducted with the end goal of enhancing teaching and learning experiences of the professionals.

Relevant to the DICT’s commitment of giving everyone with equal access to opportunities for personal and professional growth, regardless of their situation, a technical training program for Persons with Disabilities was conducted. 17 scholars participated on this course that has fueled PWDs with the necessary skills to succeed in the digital economy.

Towards the program’s sustainability and improvement, DigitaljobsPH also conducted seven (7) Kamustahan and seven (7) Alumni Spotlight events in CALABARZON. Kamustahan events are online gatherings where freelancers can share their experiences and best practices. Alumni Spotlight events, on the other hand, are venues to showcase the success stories of DigitaljobsPH graduates. These events help create a sense of community among DigitaljobsPH members and provide them with the opportunity to network and learn from each other. Certainly, DigitaljobsPH is not only just a training program but in totality is a way to build a digital community that nurtures personal and professional growth of its people.

TRANSFORMING LIVES

How digitalJobsPH Technical Training Empowers Individuals to Thrive in the Online Job Market

digitalJobsPH Technical Training has been a game-changer for individuals who were previously unemployed or struggling to find work. By offering comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of the online job market, it equips participants with indemand skills, thereby increasing their employability and opening doors to countless remote job opportunities.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the demand for online employment opportunities continues to grow. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, remote work has become a viable option for individuals seeking employment and financial stability. However, many people lack the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital job market effectively. DigitalJobsPH Technical Training has emerged as a transformative platform, providing individuals with the essential training and resources needed to secure online jobs and embark on a path to financial independence.

One of the standout features of digitalJobsPH Technical Training is its commitment to providing expert guidance and mentorship to participants. Seasoned professionals in various digital fields serve as mentors, offering invaluable insights and industryspecific knowledge. This mentorship helps individuals develop not only technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the digital job market, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their job search strategies.

digitalJobsPH Technical Training has become a catalyst for positive change, helping individuals who were previously unemployed or lacked the necessary digital skills to transform their lives. By offering comprehensive training, expert mentorship, and access to online job opportunities, it has empowered countless individuals to thrive in the digital job market. As we navigate an increasingly digital future, platforms like digitalJobsPH will continue to play a vital role in bridging the gap between individuals and online employment, creating a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

REVOLUTIONIZING REVOLUTIONIZING

The “Ang Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center” is the first of its kind and an equally inspiring initiative that has already brought a difference in the lives of hundreds of children in Paete, Laguna to date. It all started when a documentary video on Facebook showcasing the amazing works of the Katoto Project has ignited Regional Director Cheryl Ortega’s interest to do partnership with the Team through DICT Laguna and the Tech4ED Program.

Finally, on July 13, 2022, the Ang Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center was officially launched, marking the first mobile Tech4ED center model in the entire CALABARZON Region. The mobility of this Tech4ED center has definitely contributed to the project’s huge success by enabling widespread and extensive reach, thus already catering to hundreds of children from different barangays in Paete, Laguna. Moreover, as part of the partnership with the DICT, the Katoto Project’s youth volunteers dedicated their time and effort on weekends to teach children about various topics for upskilling, in supplement to the DICT’s donated tablets that has aided their learning process. During each training session, the children were able to submit their outputs using sketch applications, Google Forms, or basic Microsoft Word formats.

The Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center uses different applications in a gamified platform that focus on basic literacy and numeracy, which is based on the project implementers’ benchmarking, are the most essential subjects to focus on in order to minimize the gap in education caused by the pandemic. The Katoto Project has also partnered with Local Government Unit (LGU), Sangguniang Barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan, Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD), and in turn, have them engaged in the commitment of supporting the capability building activities for Katoto Project beneficiaries and in organizing workshops for children about digital literacy through MSWD.

REVOLUTIONIZING REVOLUTIONIZING

By: Hazel Pagao

In September 2022, the DICT Region IV-A, headed by Director Ortega, successfully conducted a back-to-back Digital Literacy Training and Outreach Program for the children of Brgy. 5, Ilaya Del Sur, Paete, Laguna in partnership with the Katoto Project and Ang Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center. During the event, over forty children were taught the fundamentals of using a tablet and how to use the TuxPaint program to create and draw their assignments and other artworks. Following the learning session, the DICT and Katoto unleashed happiness in the area by throwing out parlor games, prizes, and goodie bags for the kids, along with a feeding program. Today, the Kariton Klasrum sessions are attended by more than 50 children every weekend, with a total of 127 children, out-of-school youth, students, and parents from the poorest of the poor communities benefiting from this initiative. Art sessions for Batang Katoto are also conducted using tablets, and 15 students of Kariton ni Katoto are now enrolled in Day-care Centers in Paete; with the Kariton Klasrum giving them special sessions using tablets as devices for visual aids.

It is truly undeniable that Ang Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Tech4ED Mobile Center has been making a difference in the lives of many children in Paete, Laguna. But as the DICT and Katoto Project stay true to its commitment of bridging the digital gap and serving the people of Paete, more ICT skill trainings are slated for conduct as its clients continue to increase.

The Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center indeed revolutionized the delivery of education and learning opportunities empowered by Information and Communications Technology which only started from being an ordinary “kariton” to a life-changing channel aimed at bringing the needed shift and brighter future to the youth and coming generations of Paete, Laguna.

How the Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center has Brought Brighter Future to the Youth of Paete, Laguna

GAWAD PASASALAMAT AT PARANGAL 2022

A Tribute to the Modern Heroes of Pandemic

By: Evelyn Rose Hernandez

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regions IV-A and IV-B together with the members of the VaxCert sub-Technical Working Group (sTWG) coming from the agencies of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), joined forces to serve the unserved and underserved communities by providing systems for COVID-19 vaccination, free access to ICT and services through the Vaccination Information Management System (VIMS). These systems aim to provide a systematic way of data consolidation and make data gathering of inoculation faster than manual.

As a way of appreciation by the VaxCert sub-Technical Working Group (sTWG) headed by the DICT on the efforts and initiatives of all Local Government Units (LGUs) within CALABARZON region and inter-agency partners to upload all the remaining backlogs in the Vaccine Administration System Line List (VAS LL), the Department conducted a face-to-face recognition entitled “Gawad Pasasalamat at Parangal Ceremony 2022: Tribute to Modern Heroes of Pandemic” last September 15, 2022, held at Fidelis Ballroom, Lima Park Hotel, Lima Commercial Estate, Malvar, Batangas. This event is a tribute to VIMS partners and LGUs in terms of data upload towards VaxCert generation. The ceremony was attended by some of the DICT executives namely Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa M. Camba, Director Amelia S. Dean, DREAM Team Project Manager represented by Mr. Jayson Martinez, partner agencies coming from the DREAM TEAM, Local Chief Executives, and other invited guests.

The ceremony highlighted the recognition of the VaxCert Technical Working Group (sTWG) for their invaluable contributions to the fulfillment of the initiatives of the DICT in the implementation of VIMS and VAS line list compliance. Local Government Units (LGUs) were also commended for their initiatives, full support, and dedication to uploading all the vaccination records in the VAS LL and Vaccine Operations Reporting System (VORS). Here is the list of awardees in no particular order: Province of the Batangas - Top Performing Province; City of Antipolo, Rizal - Top Performing Municipality; Municipality of Mulanay, Quezon and Mabitac Laguna - Top Performing Municipalities; Balayan, Batangas - VaxCertPH Award; Paete, Laguna - Most Consistent LGU Award; Calauan, Laguna - DVAS User of the Region; City of Santa Rosa, San Pedro, City of Biñan and Los, Baños, Laguna and, City of Antipolo Rizal as the Bayanihan Act Awardees. Each awardee received a Plaque of Recognition and Commendation.

Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky.

They are people who say: This is my community, and its my responsibility to make it better.

- Tom Mccall

PHILIPPINE STARTUP CHALLENGE (PSC) 7: REGIONAL PITCHING COMPETITION

By: Evelyn Rose Hernandez

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as one of the lead agencies in the implementation of RA 11337 otherwise known as the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) is mandated to provide benefits and programs to strengthen, promote, and develop the Philippine Startup Ecosystem. In order to fulfill its role, the DICT is implementing the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP) with the overall goal of establishing a strong Philippine Startup Ecosystem to support and strengthen the competitive advantage of Filipino startups.

One initiative under the DSDAP is the Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC). PSC is a startup competition that aims to encourage and support Filipinos in creating innovative and relevant ICT products and services that may potentially develop into viable business ventures as well as solve social problems. This initiative is geared towards promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship in ICT among Filipinos and ensuring the continuous creation of investible ideas and startup founders that will expand the Philippine Startup ecosystem.

Last October 24, 2022, the DICT Region IV-A CALABARZON in partnership with the Innovation Consortium South Luzon (ICONS) conducted the Regional Pitching Competition joined by aspiring students and young innovators whose startups were between the stages of Ideation to Minimum Viable Product from Region IV-A (Team Coffeecoders from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Team CCS Pirates from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) - Batangas, Team Red Algo from the Batangas State University - The National Engineering University (BatStateU-NEU) Malvar Campus, Team Elev8 Team also from the BatStateU-NEU Arasof-Nasugbu Campus, Team Plan Protect Co. and Team All Tech and Construction from LPU - Cavite) and National Capital Region (NCR) (Team Bright from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TUP) - Quezon City, Team AgriCropsMD from Adamson University, Team FERA from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) and Team ANI also from the TIP - Quezon City). The winners of each region were evaluated and determined by our distinguished panel of judges namely Engr. Aisa Mijeno of NEXUS Fab Lab, De La Salle Lipa, Mr. Marrione Pol Camacho of Embiggen Group and Dir. Cheryl C. Ortegal from DICT Regions IV-A and IV-B. The team All Tech and Construction “Build My House App” from LPU-Cavite was awarded as the 1st place winner followed by Team CCS Pirates “Balarila PH” from LPU-Batangas as the 2nd place winner and Team Coffee Coders “WELP” from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation as the 3rd place winner from Region IV-A. While for the NCR, the awarded 1st place winner was Team ANI “Tanim Co.” from TIP - Quezon City, 2nd place winner was Team Bright “Bright” from TUP - Quezon City, and the 3rd place winner was Team AgriCropsMD “Agri Crops MD” from Adamson University. Each winner received a token and a plaque.

DICT R4A CERT-PH

ON THE MOVE FOR A CYBERSAFE CALABARZON

By: Raiza Joyce Mendoza

Region IV-A accelerates the move towards a more cyber-resilient CALABARZON with the establishment of its own Computer Emergency Response Team and increased advocacy campaigns reaching 9, 177 individuals

DICT

The inevitable shift of the nation to digitalization admittedly called for a challenging role for the DICT, its attached agencies and responsible law enforcement offices to address the rising problems of illegal cyber activities and threats abusing many Filipinos.

In response to this, the DICT Region IV-A (CALABARZON) reinforces its coordination with public and private institutions in the region with the establishment of its own Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Tagged as DICTR4-CERT-PH, the team actively responds to cyber incidents being reported to the regional office, and escalates concerns to the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and other concerned agencies to resolve the crimes.

Part of its proactive engagements include extensive cyber advocacy programs with 31 advocacies conducted from April to December 2022, reaching 9,177 participants nationwide. By capacitating the weakest link in any organization, its people, the DICT endeavors to raise awareness on the existing cyber threats in the Philippine landscape thus encourage their safeguarding of online activities and cultivate a sense of cyber-resiliency amongst members of the CALABARZON community.

NEW CHANCES AMIDST THE PANDEMIC

By: Raiza Joyce Mendoza

The story of bringing hope for the PDLs of GMA Municipal Jail Tech4ED Center

It is with the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak that physical restrictions become inevitable causing the social and economic marginalization to become extremely felt in prisons by the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). It is especially on these trying times that the PDLs and their loved ones found it extra challenging to communicate as the regular visitations, consultations, and regular services were severely limited due to health protocol limitations. In general, economic conditions also took a turn and due to incarceration, that the former inmates found themselves faced with the increasingly daunting task of finding employment and reintegrating into a rapidly changing society now inclined with technology.

The same scenario was faced in GMA Municipal Jail having the welfare and development of their inmates suddenly suspended which has led to the jail unit to look for innovative solutions to cope with the situation. Seeing the DICT’s active implementation of the Tech4ED Program, the jail become optimistic in turning the challenges of the pandemic into a much greater opportunity for the PDLs.

On March 1, 2022, the GMA Municipal Jail Tech4ED Center was formally launched reflecting the commitment of JSUPT CHRISTOPHER R PENILLA and LGU GMA in this partnership with the DICT. The initial operation of the center started with just five computers, nevertheless this was enough to spark a hope of new chances to both PDLs and jail officers amidst the pandemic.

It is with the collaborative efforts of the offices involved to mention the donated ICT equipment by the DICT, along with the additional computer, tables, chairs and LED TVs donated by LGU GMA, that the GMA Municipal Jail Tech4ED Center has now eleven (11) serviceable computers that has provided bigger potential to the development of PDLs following its Tech4Ed Center extension last October 2022 that has catered more interested inmates.

The available ICT equipment also strengthened the alternative education program in jail that even those PDLS in their thirties who couldn’t qualify in Alternative Learning System due to inability to read and write, were given the chance to undergo e-learning through the use of their Tech4ED Center, with St Mary’s Publishing Cloud Learning (SMPC), a partner of GMA Municipal Jail.

From March 2022 to December 2022, the Tech4ED Center benefitted about five hundred seventy-one (571) PDLs through the conducted learning sessions. It is also with this notable increase in developmental opportunities, that GMA Municipal Jail Tech4ED Center has been awarded with 1st Prize Winner in the Search for the Most Outstanding- Emerging Tech4ED Center in CALABARZON last December 2022.

Remarkably, a former PDL who was detained in 2021 because of dangerous drugsrelated case and was released in November 2022 acclaimed the Tech4ED Program for being the channel in implanting that hope in him to long for a brighter future by giving him opportunities to attend Tech4ED learning sessions such as Digital Literacy Training on Image Editing and Photoshop Magic, and Basics in Microsoft Office Word, Powerpoint Presentation and Excel during his confinement. His story remains an inspiration to other PDLs especially noting that during his detention, he became a jail aide and assisted in some records encoding and filing of documents’ while currently, he is a free man - applying via online in a company somewhere in Alabang, Muntinlupa and is about to make use of the skills learned during his stay in jail.

It is with equal access to learning and economic opportunities brought by the Tech4ED Program of the DICT, that PDL stories of this kind are starting to become prevalent as they talk about their reentry to the society. There is truly a hope for everyone, as the Tech4ED Program remains to enable, empower and transform by making it possible and convenient for persons behind bars to access wide range of ICT services despite their isolation, in preparation for their return to society while enabling their smooth transition from incarceration to freedom.

SUPER TYPHOON KARDING OPERATIONS: GETT in Motion

- Jose Carmelo B. Cueto

The Philippines is a country that is prone to different natural disasters and calamities, including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. It is when a disaster strikes that the ability to communicate becomes very critical for effective response operations. Last September 2022, the super typhoon Karding hardly hit the Quezon province. In response to the community’s need for communication, the KonekTawag Center was put up in one of the heavily devastated area in the province, Municipality of Panukulan.

The KonekTawag Center has served the community several weeks after the disruption caused by the typhoon. Through the help of different national government agencies and local government units, the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster’s (ETC’s) Government Emergency Telecommunications Team (GETT) was able to successfully put up KonekTawag Center which holds the operations of the installed Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) equipment, LTE Routers and MIMO Antenna, as well as the charging station which are offered free of charge to the affected community.

In the aftermath of super typhoon Karding, the telecommunications infrastructure in Quezon province was severely damaged, particularly in Panukulan, which left many communities deprived of access to critical communication services. The installation of VSATs was an important part of the emergency response to provide connectivity to the affected areas and an imperative part of the ETC’s response.

VSAT is a satellite-based communications technology that can be used to provide voice and data connectivity in remote, geographically-isolated and disaster-affected areas. It is particularly useful in situations where traditional communication infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, as it can be quickly deployed and does not require a physical connection to a terrestrial network. In addition to providing connectivity, the VSATs can also be used to gather and transmit data from the affected areas. This data can be used to monitor the situation on the ground, assess the needs of the affected communities, and plan the response efforts.

Furthermore, the installation of KonekTawag Center as part of the ETC response is a critical component of the response operations to a disaster like super typhoon Karding in Quezon province, Philippines. It has connected the community back to the world and has revived back people’s needs for recent information. The provision of a reliable and flexible communication infrastructure that can be quickly deployed and used to support emergency response operations has made community’s distress subside back to a minimum. And by providing connectivity to gather data from the affected areas and supporting the community both mentally and physically, the ETC’s responders can help ensure an effective and coordinated response to the disaster.

Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Jamboree: A Call for an Enhanced Disaster Response Efforts

The world as we see it today is witnessing an increased number of natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises which results in significant human suffering and the disruption of essential services. In such situations, the coordination of different humanitarian response efforts is deemed very vital and crucial. One way to enhance this coordination is by conducting an Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Jamboree.

Last October 5-7, 2022, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region IV conducted its Luzon-wide Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) Jamboree. The jamboree is a collaborative simulation exercises that are aimed at bringing together different Government Emergency Telecommunications Team (GETT) members from over Luzon to test their response capabilities during an emergency. Exercises include IP Radio Configuration, HF/VHF/ UHF Radio Programming and VSAT Connection Establishment which primarily aim to improve the preparedness, coordination, and communication among the participants in a simulated emergency scenario.

The participants of the Jamboree further gained practical experience in managing a disaster scenario and were able to apply their knowledge and skills to identify potential gaps in their preparedness and response plans. In addition to that, the effectiveness of their communication channels, equipment, and technologies were tested, and made improvements where necessary. The camaraderie built on participants’ interactions made coordination and collaborations more effective in responding to such disastrous events.

Exercises during the jamboree also introduced to the participants the complexities and constraints of responding to a disaster scenario, and eventually came up with innovative solutions to overcome them. This understanding helped the GETT members to develop specialized plans and services to better serve the needs of the sector. What’s more crucial is that the event is joined together by the representatives of World Food Programme, DICT’s partner in the establishment of Government Emergency Communications System Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (GECS MOVE).

Through the ETC Jamboree, enhanced coordination and collaboration for humanitarian response efforts during emergencies are achieved and participants are provided with practical experience in networking and collaboration, enablement for participants in identifying and addressing challenges, and of course, improvement in disaster preparedness. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in the Philippines, the timely conduct of an ETC Jamboree is one essential step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the humanitarian responses.

- Jose Carmelo B. Cueto

TESTIMONIALS