In an effort to bring education to remote places in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the computerization and solar power project of public schools around the country.
After a successful installation in Basilan, DepEd and UNDP have brought in the initiative to Palawan, where they brought more computer units.
According to DepEd, the project has already helped 4,000 public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Luzon and Mindanao, giving 600,000 students access to solar-powered laptops this school year.
The computerization of schools and Information and Communications (ICT) packages are part of 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) targeted by global leaders in 189 countries.
According to DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua, the new computers “will create new learning opportunities and develop critical thinking, making our students more innovative not only in solving community problems but also in facing global challenges.”