Valenzuela: Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday emphasized the effective collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd), the local government unit (LGU), and the private sector in improving both digital access and nutrition for public school learners in Valenzuela.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Angara and Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian were present at Malinta Elementary School to distribute hot meals to students as part of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP). In addition to addressing nutritional needs, Angara facilitated the handover of ICT devices, including laptops and desktop computers, to students and teachers. This initiative was supported through DepEd's partnership with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and its member companies.
In an interview, Angara revealed that approximately 2,000 learners would benefit from the laptop donations made by the private sector. Mayor Gatchalian praised DepEd for the ICT equipment donation, highlighting its significance in Valenzuela's ongoing digitalization initiatives in partnership with private stakeholders. Valenzuela has already collaborated with international educational partners such as Khan Academy, Koobits, and TechnoKids, enhancing educational resources for local learners.
The IBPAP's contribution included 2,119 ICT units, comprising 378 laptops and desktop computers, provided by companies like Shearwater Health Advisors Inc., Ascendion Digital Solutions, Philippines Inc., and EY Global Solutions. Angara, in his speech, stressed that while digital tools are vital, they cannot replace the essential roles of educators, learners, and guardians in fostering critical thinking and fundamental skills.
The School-Based Feeding Program at Malinta Elementary School alone benefited 737 learners. Overall, the SBFP extends its support to approximately 14,269 learners in Valenzuela's Schools Division, including those in the Universal Kindergarten Feeding Program and learners identified as severely wasted and wasted from Grades 2 to 6.
