PGMA cites Smart’s role in computer literacy

FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga, Nov. 11 — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday cited Smart Communications and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Co. for their support to the government’s computer literacy program.

The sister-companies donated to Paguiruan High School (PHS) of this town a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), which will give students access to the Internet.

“This is a God-sent contribution to the school’s aspiration to have computer connectivity,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

Realizing that Information Communications Technology (ICT) was necessary for progress and development, the President endeavored to build the telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

“Interconnectivity is a must,” Mrs. Arroyo said, echoing her 2001 State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) at which time she observed that skills-intensive service sectors such as ICT and tourism are the key to prosperity.

She said that Internet connections in public high schools will serve as telecommunications center in the rural communities as well.

For his part, Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of the PLDT Group, said that "with Internet access, teachers and students can enhance classroom learning.”

PHS is the first to be connected to the Internet via WiMax. Smart Communications is setting up a network of computer connectivity that will eventually include 270 schools in the country.

Aside from connectivity, the PHS also received a Smart Teacher's Learning Resource Center (STLRC) consisting of two computers, two webcams, a printer, and a scanner.

Present during the turnover rites were Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, CICT Chairman Ray Anthony Roxas Chua, Floridablanca Mayor Eduardo Guerrero, and other local executives. (PNA)

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