ANGARA SEEKS INTEGRATION OF COMPUTER ED INTO CURRICULUM

With the rapid technological advances seen in recent years, Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged the government to integrate computer lessons into the basic curriculum of all public and private schools.

"Because of the internet and the development of telecommunications, the world is fast becoming a global village where almost anything can be accomplished by using a computer. We must then make sure that Filipinos learn how to maximize these opportunities," he said.

Angara, head of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture has filed Senate Bill No. 2026, otherwise known as the Computer Education Program act. This bill seeks to promote functional computer literacy in all schools at the earliest possible stage to produce a population that is "highly skilled in the creation, use and manipulation of computer software".

"Filipinos need to be aware of the latest developments in science and technology in order for us to regain some economic ground. One of the ways to do that is to ensure that our children become computer-literate as soon as possible. In short, this bill is intended to prepare the Filipino youth to meet the technological challenges of this new country," explained Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

To accomplish this, SB 2012 also requires the creation of a Board on Computer Education to oversee the implementation of the program. It will be tasked to supervise and assess the accreditation and training of the teachers, as well as the preparation of a curriculum for computer-aided lessons in Math and Science.

Senate Bill No. 2012, "To Integrate Computer Education Program Into The Educational System And For Other Purposes", was filed by Angara early in the 15th Congress. It has been referred to its committees following the First Reading.