The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Information and Communication office (ICTO) visited the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) yesterday, September 8, 2015 to present technology for education or TECH4ED to the agency’s staff and employees.

Accordingly, TECH4ED provides access points for individuals and communities to bridge the digital and education divide. It promotes grassroots development and opportunities for inclusive growth and poverty reduction. It will give communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals. (https://icto.dost.gov.ph/major-programs-and-projects/e-filipino/e-filipino-technology-for-the-economic-development-tech4ed/)

Engr. Virgil Fuentes, TECH4ED focal, the ICTO is advocating this technology and they need partner agency that has the heart for the people who are being underserved and marginalized.

“We see you, the BDA as the one agency who could implement such things and let’s work together to capacitate our people”, Fuentes said.

“I am encouraging you to partners with us with this particular program which would enable our communities to have better opportunities through establishing TECH4ED centres”, Fuentes added.

Meanwhile, Engr. Manny Butongkay, Provincial Head of ICT in Mindanao, presented before the presentation the background of their office.

According to him, the Commission on Information Communication Technology Office (CICTO) was before under the office of the President but in year 2013, there was a merging at the same time, a rationalization. And an Executive Order 47 stated that the information and communication technology office became an attached agency of DOST.

BDA staffs who attended the presentation appreciated not only the technology which was being presented but its objectives of helping people.

“Of course BDA recognizes the importance of technology for efficient delivery of services to its stakeholders,” BDA official said.