The new program focused on advancing digital learning is very important in improving the Philippines' education system, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated on Friday. This, as she participated in the project launch of the 'Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy' in Intramuros, Manila.
A memorandum of agreement for the Pay IT Forward program was signed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with private partners iAcademy and Republic Asia. The advocacy seeks to empower learners nationwide with essential digital skills through training, ICT equipment, and satellite connectivity.
This effort is a major step towards taking our education system to digital empowerment. We all know that digitalization is not just a worldwide trend. It is a strategic imperative", Pangandaman says during a keynote speech.
"Through the use of digital technologies, we empower both teachers and students with the skills needed to navigate an extremely volatile, modern, uncertain complex and ambiguous world", she added.
Pangandaman, nonetheless, admitted that it also has different challenges, among them the digital divide and adjusting to the online setting, particularly the remote communities.
She indicated a 'whole-of-society' strategy is necessary to make sure the initiative would bring 'more efficient and productive' results that would benefit the nation's overall economic progress. "Through unity, we see the common advantages of cooperation, partnership and mutual assistance to advance our digital transformation initiatives, especially in the education sector of the country", Pangandaman stated.
She added that the Department of Budget and Management would extend the necessary support to make the Pay IT Forward campaign a success. She added that the Marcos government is dedicated to spending on education in order to make learners successful in a fast-changing digital world.
"Through offering connectivity to schools, enabling teachers with online skills, and giving learning aids to students, we are making teaching and learning more engaging which we will ultimately make our students globally competent professionals", Pangandaman says.
"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 makes sure, the President makes sure that we will invest in education. We'll ensure that the budget will really go to the needs of the education sector", she further added.
