PhRO IVA Donates Computer Sets to Public Schools July 19, 2011

Education is the key that allows people to move up in the world, seek better jobs, and ultimately succeed in life. As Sydney J. Harris puts it, "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." Education is very important, and no one should be deprived of it even those who have no means for basic education.

In the same way, computers play a vital role in education. Being daily utilities, computers have gained immense importance in day-to-day living. Their increasing functionality has made computer education a vital need. But with the budget constraints in some government schools and colleges, quality of education at times is compromised and computer education is not prioritized. However, if we want our graduates to be able to compete globally, there is a significant requirement to expose students to computer technology.

Believing in the importance of education in nation-building, recognizing the need for community involvement and promoting the love for learning, PhilHealth Regional Office IVA donated computer sets and and accessories to chosen beneficiary schools. Lucky recipients of the computer sets, which were earlier eyed for disposal, were the San Isidro National High School in Catanauan, Quezon and City College of Lucena.

Principal Florinda H. Moraida of San Isidro National High School gratefully accepted the 10 sets of computers which their students may use as aid for basic computer lessons as well as research work. The students crowded around the classroom as the regional team headed by Asset Disposal Committee Chairperson Benjie Cuvinar with COA Auditor Gladita Manongsong assembled the computer sets to check if these are operating properly before formally transferring the computers to the school.

The teachers were as excited as their students with the arrival of the computers, saying these will greatly help students in their research projects.

Likewise, 24 computer sets including 10 units of serviceable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and eleven units of defective and obsolete UPS were also turned over to City College of Lucena for their BS Information Technology Department. Although these are for disposal, their electronics and computer technician students will enjoy a hands-on learning experience using these computers, exposing them to a combination of classroom theory and practical application in a laboratory environment. If they are successful in repairing the parts, it will be a bonus to have additional computer sets for their library.

Azucena O. Romulo, President/ Dean of City College of Lucena accepted the donation in behalf of the college, showing her overwhelming appreciation for the simple gift for their students. She shared how the students can take advantage of these computers, "Your donation will go a long way to further educate our students. Now they will be able to see the actual parts and not just in pictures." Cuvinar assured her that should there be other useful IT equipment for disposal, "we can make the transfer to the school subject to existing government rules and regulations on disposal." (Sharyll M. Ortiz)