Governor Edgar Chatto expressed optimism for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) prospects in Bohol as the Department of Information and Communications Technology in partnership with the National Library and the Provincial Government launched on Saturday the Tech4Ed (Technology for Economic Development) center at the Bohol Provincial Library.
Chatto recalled basic economic concept of the key requirements for productivity when he described what the Tech4Ed center means for the Bohol Provincial Library, established under his term as vice governor.
He explained that the key requirements for productivity namely: labor, land, and capital which when fixed achieves its production possibility curve. He added that a new ingredient: technology expands the production possibility curve.
This he said is what the improvement to the library with access to technology is going to do for Bohol which is to enhance and increase productivity.
Tech4Ed adds to the recognition of ICT as a third pillar for economic development, for poverty alleviation, and for equitable growth, he said of future possibilities for the province’s development with complementary industries of tourism, agriculture, and ICT, he added.
Bohol is currently pushing for Digital Bohol in its bid to open its doors to the ICT sector and Tech4Ed is one of activities seen to boost this agenda with Bohol also hosting international ICT conferences Geeks on a Beach happening this week and Open Collaboration for East Asia Nations (OCEANS) 16 in November.
Tech4Ed is one of major programs of the new national department (DICT), which aim is to harness ICT to enable, empower, and transform through basic digital literacy and economic development.
The center makes available internet connectivity as well as applications such as Eduskills (ALS, online library, LEAP (Learning English Application for Pinoys), TESDA skills training, and value and character formation); Eassist (career development); and Egovserv for online services from national government agencies.
According to DICT Visayas Cluster Assistant Director Antonio Edward Padre, Bohol is also part of second phase of national connectivity program where free wifi will become available in plazas, national high schools, Capitol and municipal hall lobbies, public elementary schools with libraries as well as public libraries.
668 access points throughout country will be launched by the DICT for the first phase of the national connectivity program.
Tech4Ed was also launched yesterday afternoon at the Congressional Library in Balilihan. Tech4Ed is also available in Batuan.
Vice Gov. Dionisio Balite for his part said he will endeavor to establish municipal libraries for the rest of 20 municipalities in the provinces.
The launching was also graced by National Library representative Flordeliza Quiñones and acting Provincial Librarian Marciana Ballares.