UNDP partners with NCPC in ICT program for schools

By Danny P. Aureus NAGA CITY --- Aside from performing its mandate as partner of the city government here in the promotion of public accountability and good governance, the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) is also tasked with working with an international agency that distributes computers to public schools in the region. The United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) computerization program for public schools is being pursued along with the distribution of solar panels to those without access to electricity. Each of the solar panel has wattage of 100, with high-tech controller and batteries that will last for 3 days. The program is part of the Department of Education’s agreement with the UNDP in 2016 under the government agency’s computerization program with an end view of providing computer packages to public schools across the country. “NCPC is in charge of the inventory and monitoring of all the materials and supplies that UNDP provides to school-beneficiaries. We will also be there where these items is to be set-up,” says Johann De la Rosa, NCPC executive director. During a press briefing last week, De la Rosa narrated their experience when they visited a public school in the faraway province of Sorsogon to deliver computers and solar panel packages. He said they have to travel to and from that faraway area by habal-habal for 18 times just to ensure that the task given them were accordingly executed. The DepEd’s computerization program, which covers the period from December 21, 2017 to its completion on September 1, 2018, involves a citizen’s monitoring component with civil society organizations to bolster transparency and participation. In this city, the program beneficiaries are the Sabang High School, Naga City Science High School, and the Camarines Sur National High School. Albay province was allotted with 30 units along with Camarines Norte, 11; Camarines Sur, 30; Catanduanes, 1; Masbate, 274 and Sorsogon, 1.