TACLOBAN CITY – In a push to promote digital literacy and inclusion, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the region has distributed laptops to 23 local government units (LGUs) in the region under its flagship program, Project CLICK (Courses for Literacy in Internet and Computer Knowledge).
The laptop turnover was held during the culminating event of the National ICT Month Celebration, themed “Digital Bayanihan: Walang Iwanan,” at The Tropics in Tacloban City. DICT OIC-Regional Director Atty. Melvyn Carlo Barroa and Alexis Yu of Tingog Party-list, representing Rep. Jude Acidre, led the ceremonial handover of the devices to local chief executives and LGU representatives.
Project CLICK aims to enhance access to digital tools and equip communities with essential computer and internet skills to improve governance, education, and overall productivity.
The LGUs that received laptops include in Biliran, provincial government of Biliran, and the municipality of Caibiran; in Samar, Sta. Rita, San Sebastian, Marabut, and Jiabong; in Southern Leyte, Liloan, Anahawan, and St. Bernard.
In Leyte, the towns of Alangalang, Tolosa, Calubian, Carigara, MacArthur, Matag-ob; in Eastern Samar, San Julian, Hernani, Lawaan, San Policarpo; and in Northern Samar, Lope de Vega, Gamay, and Lapinig.
Atty. Barroa emphasized the importance of collaboration under the Digital Bayanihan spirit.
“This is a forum for us in DICT Region 8 to engage our stakeholders. Under our ‘Walang Iwanan’ team, we are ready to help—whether through extra laptops, trainers, or Starlink access. Let’s work together to fulfill our shared mandate,” he said.
During the same event, the DICT also recognized 11 local chief executives whose LGUs were among the first to receive the agency’s eGov Kiosks—digital platforms that bring government services closer to the public.
These included the mayors of the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, Baybay, Maasin, Catbalogan, Calbayog, and Borongan, and the municipalities of Catarman, Carigara, Naval, and Palo.
Earlier that day, the DICT also broke ground for its new regional office located in Barangay 25, Tacloban City. The project will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways–Tacloban District Engineering Office.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
