The Northern Mindanao Department of Information and Communications Technology introduced an online course program through the Localized Accessible Knowledge and Inclusive Platform. DICT Director Sittie Rahma Alawi attributed the success of the "Lakip" platform to the collaboration with Coursebank, a prominent provider of massive open online courses in the Philippines. Alawi also expressed gratitude to DepEd (Department of Education) teachers who played a crucial role in translating the courses, emphasizing that the program's implementation would not have been achievable without their assistance.
"Lakip," originating from the Bisaya (Visayan) term for "inclusive," symbolizes a comprehensive learning management system offering a variety of courses meticulously translated into the local language. Alawi highlighted that the initial beneficiaries of the program were the Higaonon indigenous community in Barangay Dansolihon. She mentioned, "In July (2023), the indigenous community in Barangay Dansolihon served as our pilot users for Lakip."
Aimee R. Marcos, the digital consultant for the local government, mentioned that collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the city government to enhance technology and literacy in communities, especially by delivering lessons in local languages, was one of her recommendations. Alawi added that following the city's launch, the program has the potential to extend its reach to other areas in the Mindanao and Visayas regions.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is the government agency in the Philippines tasked with strategizing, advancing, and advocating for the nation's information and communications technology (ICT) initiatives to contribute to overall national development. DICT conducts numerous ICT skills and literacy training sessions at Digital Transformation Centres, with over 4,000 centers established nationwide as of May 2021. The department has showcased its preparedness to meet its obligations by effectively utilizing web conferencing tools for training delivery.
