Valenzuela donates 500 computer units to public schools

MANILA, July 31 (PNA) -- The Valenzuela local government has formally turned over 500 computer units to 10 public schools in the city.

Mayor Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian said the computer donation is in line with the Department of Education's (DepEd) Order No.1, series of 2007, otherwise known as "Strengthening the Information Communication Technology Governance of the Department of Education".

He said the computers will be formed into laboratory units of which three are now in service at the Vicente P. Trinidad National High School, Maysan National High School and Malinta National High School.

Other beneficiaries are the Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School, Lawang Bato National High School, Canumay National High School, Valenzuela National High School-Canumay East Annex, Bignay National High School, Arkong Bato National High School and Mapulang Lupa National High School.

Each computer lab, funded from the local school board (LSB) through "WIN ang Edukasyon" Program, are fully-air conditioned, equipped with 50 brand-new and up-to-date broadband connected, high standard computer units with LCD screen monitors and headsets; two laser jet printers; 24-port, 4.8gbps MAC address table, switch; a wireless n-router, and a 2000 ansi-lumens LCD projector and projection screen.

Each computer laboratory has its own information technology personnel which will maintain and safeguard the facility.

They will be under the direct supervision of the Valenzuela information technology office.

A net control program was installed to immediately lock or shut down a unit from the control booth should a student opens a prohibited site which is not yet blocked.

The net control is also used to send lecture files simultaneously to the 50 computer units in the lab.

Gatchalian further stated that plans are afoot to provide 17 more public schools with computer laboratory before the end of the year.

He said that this is to provide students the advantage of information communication technology-enhanced learning.

Gatchalian also appealed to the students not to use the computers on gaming, but rather on academic research, home works and ICT knowledge improvement.

DepEd-Valenzuela City is currently on its fourth year of implementing the computer program called "WIN Lab" to all public high schools.

Since 2007, the City Government has already been supporting DepEd's Information Communication Technology 4E Strategic Plan and has been allocating funds for it. (PNA)
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