EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (IP) YOUTH OF FLORIDABLANCA THROUGH DIGITAL LITERACY

The Department of Information and Communications Technology – Region 3 – Provincial Office of Pampanga led the Internet Media and Information Literacy and Digital Literacy Training for the Indigenous People (IP) Youth of Florida Blanca Pampanga last March 20 -24, 2023 at the La Blanca Events and Management Resort.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Pampanga under the leadership of Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, thru the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Municipal Government of Floridablanca, the five (5) day intensive community-based computer literacy training came to fruition by bringing ICT resources accessible to provide maximum hands-on learning experience.

Laptops and access to Wi-Fi were provided by the DICT in providing learning on the use of various online tools such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides and Google Sites. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity topics were also highlighted to provide awareness and protection to the Aeta Community. Food and venue were shouldered by the Municipality of Floridablanca.

A total of 28 IP youths graduated from the Digital Literacy Training.

This initiative aims to narrow the gap of the digital divide among the Aeta Communities of Pampanga and encourage the youth to become more proficient and knowledgeable in the use of technology and digital information.

The graduation ceremony was graced by Hon. Darwin Manalansan, the Mayor of Floridablanca, Hon. Darren Manalansan, SB Member, Ms. Elizabeth G. Estiller-Baybayan, the PSWDO, Ms. Edelyn Lobo, MSWDO of Floridablanca and Mr. Edriel Miranda, the Provincial Head of DICT.

Each graduate also received Php 1,000 cash assistance, food packs, hygiene kit, certificate and flash drive sponsored by the Provincial Government of Pampanga.

This tri-partite collaboration hopes to pursue a sustainable ICT training programs to our IP Communities, particularly the youth.