Bataan lawmaker launches Information Hub project

BALANGA City, Bataan: The office of Rep. Albert Garcia of Bataan’s Second District has recently initiated the Information Hub, or iHub project providing 18,620 high- school students and 769 teachers maximum use of information and communications technology (ICT) and build an ICT-enabled community in 14 public high schools.

The project includes the deployment of 500 personal computer units with accessories, 14 laptops, 14 LCD TV, 14 WiFi routers and 14 printers with accessories, productivity tools and software.

“The total estimated cost to cover the Community Mobilization and Commitment Setting, as well as for the Hardware/Software requirements for this project is P14.562 million,” Garcia said.

From the present ratio of a computer for every 98 students (1:98), Garcia wanted a ratio of 1:50 although way below the ideal ratio of 1:1 that is not attainable in the current setting.

“We consider this program as the biggest and most extensive, hoping it will become a model of the Department of Education in the country,” the congressman said.

He asked school beneficiaries to ready programs on security and sustainability for the scheme to continue moving on. Garcia also sought the participation of all available stakeholders like communications giants Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Smart, and various agencies of government like the Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Science and Technology.

The lawmaker also asked the Architects’ Association of the Philippines (Bataan-chapter) to design centers/rooms for the ICT program in each school that will attract students and other users.

The project will provide opportunities not only to students and teachers but also to members of the community like the out-of-school-youth, adults, overseas Filipino workers and other sectors to access various sources of information.–Ernie B. Esconde, Manila Times