More public elementary schools are set to experience the power of digital education through < code/it > a digital literacy project initiated by Ayala Foundation and its partners in the public and private sectors.
As a digital literacy project, < code/it > aims to introduce basic computer science and coding concepts to public school children at an early age. Serving students from Grades 3 to 6, < code/it > helps bridge the digital divide that continues to affect many communities in developing countries like the Philippines.
Launched in 2019, < code/it > has been successfully brought to 12 pilot schools in key areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
< code/it > is also scheduled for implementation in all 73 public elementary schools in the City of Manila.
The latest site to adopt < code/it > is Silang, Cavite. On June 16, representatives from the Municipality of Silang, the Department of Education Cavite, Alveo Land Corporation, and Ayala Foundation came together online to sign an agreement for the implementation of the project in five public elementary schools in Silang.
< code/it >’s implementation in Silang comes at a time when public and private institutions are exploring the benefits of shifting to digital education platforms as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As more and more institutions consider digital technology as a complement and an alternative to traditional learning, < code/it > offers ways to address particular education needs while preparing students for what is called the “workplace of tomorrow,” of which digitalization is a key feature.
Said Ruel Maranan, president of Ayala Foundation: “Sa pamamagitan ng teknolohiya, pinapaliit natin ang ‘digital divide’ sa ating mga kabataan. Ipinakikita natin na ang teknolohiya ay hindi lamang isang pribilehiyo, kundi karapatan ng lahat ng mga nais matuto sa ating public school system.” (Through initiatives like < code/it >, we seek to bridge the digital divide among our youth. We also show that access to technology is not just a privilege, but a right, especially for those who want to learn within our public school system.)
Alveo Land President Robert Lao said: “Isa pong karangalan ang makapagbigay-tulong sa ating kabataang Filipino. Bukod sa patuloy na pangangalaga ng kanilang angking lakas at talino, nararapat sa panahon ngayon ang maihanda sila nang mabuti pagdating sa larangan ng teknolohiya.” (It is an honor to serve the Filipino youth. Aside from nurturing their innate talent and intelligence, preparing them for a bright future through technology is also crucial.)
Said DepEd Cavite Schools Division Superintendent Rommel Bautista: “Ang aming taos pusong pasasalamat sa inyo, ang ating mga partners, para magkaroon ng katuparan ang ating sistema ng edukasyon sa lalawigan ng Cavite.” (Our wholehearted thanks to our partners for making this happen in the province of Cavite.”
Mayor Socorro Rosario Poblete of Silang also welcomed <code/it>, thanking the partners for supporting the municipality and its citizens. “This will surely be of big help to students and teachers especially in this digital age,” she said.
Also present to witness the signing were Silang Vice Mayor Aidel Belamide; Dindo Fernando, head of Ayala Land external affairs; and Ayala Foundation Senior Director and Chief Information Officer Vivien Reyes.