DEPED’S COMPUTERIZATION PROGRAM

MELBA M. SAMPANG

The Department of Education (DepEd), in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), held a conference which aims to intensify the public’s awareness on the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).

Highlights of the event include the launch and inspection of the new set of computer packages that DepEd will deploy to schools starting this year; the announcement of timelines for the delivery and installation of the said packages; and the introduction of new theft and fencing countermeasures.

Countermeasures to deter theft and pilferage of DCP equipment include changing the color of DCP-issued devices to blue; the public warning that the said packages are government property; and that mere possession of such outside of public schools can be grounds for prosecution.”

Further, this effort is in response to incidents of theft of DCP packages in schools. In 2017, P6.58 billion was allocated for the program, while P9.9 billion was earmarked in 2018, making it a big-ticket item in DepEd’s annual budget.

DCP is designed to provide public schools with the latest and most relevant ICT that would enhance the teaching and learning process, and help meet the challenges of the 21st century.

These, along with the recognition and involvement of the community in the implementation of DCP, are aligned with the Department’s 10-Point Basic Education Agenda which promotes quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.

In addition to the DCP, DepEd has also laid out a five-year development plan through the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) and ICTS. The plan includes an expanded DCP, the E-Classroom roll-out which will equip classrooms with LED television sets, and the use of tablets to aid in classroom instruction.

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The author is Teacher III at Porac Model Community High School, Porac, Pampanga