The Department of Education launched the DepEd Internet Connectivity Project (DICP) in pursuance with the Presidential Directives to provide the Public Secondary Schools an internet access per DepEd Order Nos. 50, s. 2009 and 46, s. 2011. This project aims to connect all public high schools to the digital world and support the DepEd Computerization Program in its implementation, particularly to enhance the teaching and learning process in the 21st century.

The objectives of this projects are to: Provide connectivity to every school that can used by both the teachers and students; Complement the computer laboratory packages given to secondary schools; Provide access to virtual information and educational resources; and Provide communication to public schools.

Through this project, the SDO Malaybalay City extended its support by capacitating the high school teachers in the integration of ICT in all learning areas into the basic education curriculum through using online learning materials and developing interactive learning resources.  Further, DepEd provided DICP fund for the twelve (12) public National High Schools in the Division with an allocation in the amount of Php 48,000.00 per annum for the payment of their internet services subscription.

The project was fully adopted and supported in partnership with several Private Corporation and Government Agencies like Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access for Students (GILAS) project of Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), CICT BukSU iSchools and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). They provided ICT equipment and network devices for the computer laboratories of the twelve (12) Public High Schools and training for the School Heads and School ICT Coordinators on the utilization, sustainability & leadership.

To ensure its effectiveness, the Division Office created a DICP project team led by the Division ICT Coordinator to monitor the compliance and utilization of the project.

By: Paul Arias