The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 9 and Zambasulta has handed over 50 laptops to Mayor John Dalipe and the Department of Education (DepEd) for the benefit of 10 schools in Zamboanga City. The initiative is part of DICT’s Project CLICK (Courses for Literacy on Internet and Computer Knowledge), which aims to promote functional digital literacy and skills, particularly in remote areas.
The ceremonial turnover, held on Friday, December 6, at the City Hall Conference Room, coincided with the culmination of a three-day Digital Literacy and Cyber Hygiene training for teachers. This event marked the first implementation of Project CLICK in Zamboanga City and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
DICT Region 9 and Zambasulta Director Cheryl Ortega emphasized the department’s commitment to fostering a digitally literate and capable society. “ICT is a great equalizer and enabler,” Ortega said, underscoring the project’s goal of equipping Filipinos with competitive skills to thrive in the digital age.
Mayor John Dalipe highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition, reading a message from Majority Leader and District II Representative Mannix Dalipe, who facilitated the project’s implementation. “Today, we are not just handing out devices; we are delivering tools of transformation—tools that open doors for education, employment, and enterprise,” he said.
City Schools Superintendent Dr. Majarani Jacinto expressed gratitude to DICT for the laptops and successful implementation of Project CLICK. She also acknowledged the contributions of Cong. Dalipe, Mayor Dalipe, and the city government for prioritizing education.
The beneficiary schools include Udjung, Cacao, Tumitus, Lapakan, Limaong, Bincul, Mina, Lumbayao, Pangulaya, and Tigtabol Elementary Schools.
In a related development, the Local School Board (LSB), chaired by Mayor Dalipe, held its 11th regular meeting on Monday, December 9. Presided over by LSB Co-Chair Dr. Jacinto, the board addressed pressing concerns affecting schools in island barangays. Among the priorities were deploying additional security escorts to ensure the safety of learners and improving the escort-teacher-learner ratio.
The LSB also discussed the city’s compliance with education-related indicators for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and the establishment of Early Childhood and Care Development (ECCD) centers and public libraries. The board reviewed the city’s disbursement rates for education, culture, and sports as reported by the City Treasurer’s Office, including expenditures from the Special Education Fund (SEF) and general fund.
These coordinated efforts underline Zamboanga City’s dedication to advancing education and digital literacy, paving the way for inclusive development and progress.