MANILA, Philippines – Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago submitted a bill that aims to equip poor but deserving students free education in the field of information and communication technology (ICT).
In celebration of the National ICT month this June, Santiago authored the proposed Magna Carta of Internet Freedom, which called on the public to support Senate Bill No. 2839, otherwise known as the Free ICT College Education Act.
If approved, state colleges and universities shall be tasked to develop two-year ICT courses.
"Technology has provided us modern ways to effectively communicate and make information more accessible today. ICT has been a boon to the Philippine economy. As this sector continues to grow, demand for competent workers is also increasing," Santiago said. If the bill is approved, the mandated ICT courses shall be offered for free to all graduates of public high schools, subject to the limitation of funding and facilities.
Under the bill, school authorities who will refuse to admit qualified beneficiaries will be penalized.
The beneficiaries would have the right to choose the state college or university of his choice, within his jurisdiction, city, province or region for purposes of enjoying free college education.
According to Santiago, the proposed law will guarantee that there is a pool of talent to support the labor requirements of the ICT sector while it develops to the countryside from highly urbanized centers. Santiago also filed S.B. No. 1696, otherwise known as Education for the 21st Century Act, that seeks to add computer literacy programs for students by providing training for teachers regarding the latest computer software.
If enacted, the bill will authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to public and private schools for teacher training in technology. Local government units will also be encouraged to match such funds for schools in their areas. "Studies show that students whose teachers received training in computers performed better than others. Schools that provide teachers with professional development in computers also enjoyed higher staff morale and lower absenteeism," Santiago said.
Source: Adel R. (June 28, 2015) Miriam seeks free ICT college education.Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/06/28/1470925/miriam-seeks-free-ict-college-education. on August 27, 2016
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