The 14th Knowledge Exchange Conference was held at the Citystate Asturias Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last August 14–16, 2019. The three-day conference aimed to provide eCenters of the Next Frontier with wisdom through the best practices shared by other eCenters and to make them work together towards a new era of Tech4ED centers.
Onsite registration started at eight o’clock in the morning of August 14, 2019 followed by a Poster Making activity, to establish the camaraderie among eCenter managers/workers per cluster thereby building network among them.
Then, there were Pre-conference trainings, a break-out sessions, conducted in the afternoon. The first session is intended for the general public – A Primer on Tech4ED. Discovering the Hero in You session is for the new center managers/workers. Strengthening Your Superpowers, the third session, was intended for experienced center managers/workers (up to five years old) expecting to upgrade their skills in center operations. And, Showcasing Heroism session intended for seasoned center managers/workers (more than 5 years old) expecting to showcase their center experience, promoting their programs, and expanding their community influence.
In the evening, the participants were enjoined for a fellowship dinner. They heated the dance floor and kept the ball rolling after dinner. Also, they enjoyed the performances of the three guest performers. Items were also raffled in that evening.
Conference Day 1, 15 August 2019. It was attended by 350 participants. The opening program was graced by Asec. Felino O. Castro V as keynote speaker. In his speech, Asec. Castro mentioned that KEC serves as an avenue for networking and sharing among stakeholders, participants can draw insights on how to develop new models and frameworks for the New Frontier in eCenter operations. Also, he hoped that after the conference, everyone will stay connected and will be able to come up with new plans for the betterment of the country.
Dr. Richard E. Amansec, Conference Chair, PhilCeCNet, MISD Director, DOST-PCAARRD, delivered the Conference Brief. According to Dr. Amansec, this conference is intended for the knowledge workers of eCenters nationwide. He said that he hopes this conference will be a gateway for center managers to connect and share stories. It is through this conference that center managers are recognized because of their dedication in serving the community.
The awarding ceremony for The GAD Awards: DigiPinay Digital Literacy Contest and Photo Contest follows. The first placer for the DigiPinay Digital Literacy Contest and also a special awardee for having the most number of people trained is the Tech4ED center of Mauban, Quezon. DOST IX STIC, Zamboanga City and the Tech4ED Center in Lamitan, Basilan placed second and third respectively.
For the Photo Contest, the photograph of Mat Macote entitled “Friendly and Compassionate” won third place while the “Free at Last” photo by Lilibeth Silverio won the second place. And the grand winner is the “Sa Technolohiya, May Liwanag”, a photograph of John Carlo G. Sateniaman.
Ms. Cheryl C. Ortega, Director, Luzon Cluster 3, DICT said in her inspirational message said that she stands with a happy heart knowing that everyone in the room strives to work together for the common good. Then she opened the doors for those who would like to be a part of the Tech4ED family. This has been preceded with the ceremonial signing of manifestation of commitment and support by some Local Government Units.
The conference proper has been divided into four plenary sessions. Dir. Evamay L. Dela Rosa, Regional Director of Mindanao Cluster 2, DICT facilitated the first plenary session entitled Discovering the Hero in You. In this session, the speaker Dr. Melinda dP. Bandalaria, Chancellor, University of the Philippines Open University, shared that the eCenter Knowledge Workers are the Heroes of the Next Frontier with sample advocacies on Global Digital Citizenship, Sustainable Development Goals, Poverty Alleviation, and other initiatives to enable the communities to cope with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
The other speakers were Ms. Janette Toral, DigitalFilipino.com and John Maxwell Team; and Col. Ruel P. Librada PAF (GSC), Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Plans and Programs, U5 Western Command, AFP and they talk on the topic Essential Skills in the Digital World
The second Plenary Session was facilitated by Dr. Angelo Juan Ramos, Vice Chair, PhilCeCNet. He mentioned that there are challenges that need to be overcome in every profession. Prof. Pierangelo B. Alejo, Managing Director, iCollege speaks on the topic Digital Media and Literacy. Dir. Christopher Y. Estigoy, Vice President for Operations, Ideal Prime Ventures International talks on leadership in Entrepreneurial Technology. The session title is Strengthening Your Superpower.
Conference Day 2, 16 August 2019, third Plenary Session. Frederick D.C. Amores, Assistant Regional Director, Mindanao Cluster 2, DICT facilitated the New Challenges for the Superheroes. In this session, the speakers who talked on the Future of Work in the Context of Online Jobs include Jhonny Paul H. Lagura, Company Owner at FudMarkIT88 Coworking Space; Jireh Fatima Pablico, Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training Graduate from Palawan ; Fheter E. Calanday, IT Era Technology Solutions Start-up; and Haidee Enriquez, VP of Operations SiTel Palawan.
The fourth Plenary Session – The Next Frontier in eCenter Operations was facilitated by Dir. Maria Teresa M. Camba, Director, DICT Mindanao Cluster 1. The panelists were Ms. Conchita Marta B. Mirabueno, Center Manager, Mauban eLearningVille, Quezon; Mr. Marvin A. Jacela, CeC/Tech4ED Center Manager, Tayabas City; Engr. Romarico M. Cabellon, CEC Manager, LGU San Remigio, Cebu; Ms. Marylene C. Castillan, CeC/Tech4ED Center Manager, LGU San Fabian, Pangasinan; and Mr. Angelo G. Macha, Tech4ED Center Manager, LGU Carmona, Cavite.
PhilCeCNet awards the i-Level-Up Pa More winner after the third plenary session. The entry of Carmona, Cavite Tech4ED Center – BML Tech4ED Serbisyo (Basura Mo, may Libreng Tech4ED Serbisyo) was hailed as the i-Level-Up Pa More winner.
Engr. Amelia S. Dean, OIC, Regional Operations and Coordination Service, DICT closed the conference. In her closing remarks she hoped that the conference covered what it is all about to be a hero. “It is true that not all heroes fly, but there are those who help other people soar and reach higher heights – that is the center managers. With all the wisdom gained from this conference and the people in this movement, may we all work together towards a new era of Tech4ED centers. Let us all help unleash the powers of each person that comes in our Tech4ED centers. The power to change the world is just at the tip of our fingertips”, she adds.
