PASIG CITY, April 4 — The Department of Education (DepEd) formally accepted the turnover of the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program from Globe Telecom during a culminating gathering at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan on March 29.
Launched in 2012, the GFS program was designed to promote 21st century learning principles and information and communications technology (ICT) integration in public schools nationwide. The program is implemented in 218 public schools in 202 divisions across the country which benefitted 331,241 learners and 11,666 teachers.
The program package includes free internet connectivity and tools like tablets, projectors, virtual reality (VR) goggles, casting dongles, Home Prepaid Wi-Fi Modems, and mobile phones. Partner schools also receive intensive teacher training program on 21st century learning approach, ICT integration in the classroom, and workshop modules on responsible digital citizenship.
Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Service, Tonisito Umali, Esq., and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Service and Alternative Learning System Program and Task Force, G. H. Ambat, accepted the turn-over of GFS from Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications, Ma. Yolanda Crisanto.
“We need to have a change in mindset—a change in framework in teaching, learning, doing curriculum, and delivering modules to our children. We should be at par with what is going on in the whole world. Ang mindset ay dapat patungo sa 21st century classroom,” Umali emphasized.
He also lauded Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones for prioritizing the use of technology in teaching and learning through the DepEd Computerization Program: “Patunay na nauunawaan at kinikilala niya na dapat nating gamitin ang teknolohiya hindi lamang sa pagtuturo, kundi sa pag-aaral at pag-uunawa ng ating mga anak.”
Meanwhile, Globe Telecom believes that by carrying out the management of GFS, DepEd will be able to closely monitor how technology improves teaching and learning for possible replication in other public schools.
“With GFS now under DepEd, we hope to open doors for more public schools to experience education that is not limited to the four corners of the classroom and not bounded by physical textbooks or paper and pen so that borderless learning can take place,” Crisanto stated.
As one of the program beneficiaries, DepEd Region VII Director Juliet Jeruta shared: “The GFS has been part of our competency enhancement and has provided our teachers with 21st century skills to face the challenges of integrating blended learning, problem solving, inquiry-based sessions, ICT literacy, and critical thinking in the classroom.”
In closing, Umali also underscored the importance of partnership as a way to address the learners’ needs in all public schools. He also expressed gratitude to Globe Telecom for helping advance the quality of public education.
Crisanto, on the other hand, pledged Globe’s continued support to DepEd on the use of technology in public schools through sharing with DepEd updates on educational innovations and by providing necessary tools and solutions needed by teachers and learners.
-Stay updated with news and information from the Department of Education by visiting their website at http://www.deped.gov.ph.
