In Eastern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – Students and young people in Arteche, Eastern Samar, now have free access to computers, internet connectivity and digital learning resources following the opening of a community e-library at the town’s public terminal on Sept. 17.
The facility is part of the municipal government’s Arteche Loves U 10-Point Agenda, particularly its E-Education Center and Smart Municipality initiatives, which seek to expand access to technology and digital learning opportunities.
Vice Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said the e-library was established to help address unequal access to digital devices among students and provide them with a shared space for learning.
He cited data from a Social Weather Stations survey indicating that about 42 percent of school-age Filipinos do not use electronic devices such as computers, tablets or smartphones for learning.
“We want to provide students with equal opportunities to access digital technology and enhance their learning experience,” Evardone said.
The e-library provides free internet access, computers for online browsing and research, electronic books and other digital learning resources. It also offers free printing services, with users only required to bring their own bond paper.
The facility received five laptops donated by Ibiden Philippines through the Dualtech Training Center Foundation and Zero Poverty PH 2030.
The additional computers are expected to help students who do not have their own devices conduct online research, attend online classes and complete school requirements.
Mayor Susan Evardone and Vice Mayor Evardone led the opening ceremony, which was attended by representatives from Ibiden, Dualtech Training Center Foundation, the Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Eastern Samar State University-Arteche, and student and youth groups.
The municipal government said the e-library is intended to provide a community-based digital learning space, particularly for students with limited access to computers and reliable internet connectivity.
The initiative is part of Arteche’s broader effort to integrate digital technology into local government services and education.
Last month, the municipality launched the E-KONEK Arteche program as part of its Smart Municipality initiative. The program introduced Palang-QR Ph Plus, DICT ProductLink and the eLGU: Business Permit and Business Clearance (BPBC).
Through these initiatives, the local government aims to improve access to digital services while providing residents with technology-based platforms for education, government transactions and other community needs.
The opening of the e-library adds another digital learning facility for residents as Arteche continues to pursue its goal of becoming a Smart Municipality.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
