The new initiative aimed at promoting digital learning is crucial in advancing the Philippines’ education system, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Friday.
This, as she joined the project launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Intramuros, Manila.
A memorandum of agreement for the Pay IT Forward initiative was signed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), along with private partners iAcademy and Republic Asia on April 3.
The advocacy aims to equip learners across the country with necessary digital skills through training, ICT equipment, and satellite connectivity.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward advancing our education system to digital empowerment. As we know, digitalization is not merely a global trend. It is a strategic imperative,” Pangandaman said in a keynote speech.
“By harnessing digital technologies, we equip both educators and learners with the competencies required to navigate an incredibly volatile, modern, uncertain complex and ambiguous world,” she added.
Pangandaman, however, acknowledged that shifting to digital technology also presents various challenges, such as the digital divide and the need to adapt to the online environment, most especially the remote areas.
She said a “whole-of-society” approach is needed to ensure that the initiative would yield “more efficient and productive” outcomes that would contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.
“By coming together, we recognize the mutual benefits of collaboration, partnership and mutual support to further our digital transformation efforts, particularly in the country’s education sector,” Pangandaman said.
She said the Department of Budget and Management would provide the necessary assistance to ensure the success of the Pay IT Forward campaign.
She said the Marcos administration is committed to investing on education to help learners thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“By providing connectivity to educational institutions, empowering educators with digital skills, and donating learning tools to students, we are making teaching and learning processes more compelling which we will ultimately help our students become globally competent professionals,” Pangandaman said.
“That’s the best legacy that we can leave beyond. That’s the best legacy that the President can leave beyond. That’s why he ensures, the President ensures that we will invest in education. We’ll make sure that the budget will really go to the needs of the education sector,” she added.
DBM PHOTO
