DNSC turning into a better IT hub in Davao del Norte

One of goals envisioned by the Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) is to cater the under-served and underprivileged students. Yes, DNSC wants to be a part of the society, particularly in Davao del Norte area, where education plays a vital role in molding the youths to be useful citizens in the society.

Meeting the demands of producing quality graduates does not only mean a pool of effective mentors but it also means functional facilities most especially information and communications technology equipments. True enough, the students here experience actual computer hands-on and they can also surf the net with the presence of the computer laboratories and electronic library with computer units connected to the Internet.

But how often? The typical class size for a major information technology subject is 40 students. How about the number of existing computer units? Teachers handling the subjects would divide a 40 student class into three batches to let the students have a one-on-one hands-on. How about the Internet experience? A student can use the e-library one hour in a week period. A sad reality.

Setting the eye on the goal for the IT department to effectively teach the students means establishing linkages to agencies. One time, an IT teacher, Engr. Reir Erlinda E. Cutad, was sent to a multimedia training in Bukidnon State University. It was there when one her co-participants talked to her about the iSchools Project of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT). On her return, she told the IIT Dean, Engr. Rogelio A. Masangkay, about the project. It was then that DNSC established linkage with CICT.

Engr. Masangkay attended the May 2007 briefing on the CICT iSchools Project. He was then assigned to visit 26 schools in the Davao Oriental area and he submitted his report on the visits done. Engr. Masangkay was not bothered even if the road that he had to travel were unpaved. There were roads which were cemented but after a few meters of travel, unpaved roads to travel were again visible.

He even rode in a single motorcycle called “habal-habal” and even walked more than 500 meters to get to the schools located in the hilltop and in logging areas. When the rain pours, the way to these schools is muddy and slippery.

The principals and the teachers in the schools visited greeted Engr. Masangkay with big smiles, offer merienda and meals. They frowned if he refuse to eat. They even made him bring a lot of “pasalubong” such as vegetables, fishes, fruits, and handicrafts. They see hope that computers will be delivered in their schools.

As for the DNSC community, laughter will soon be heard and smiles will soon appear on their faces for the benefits that the iSchools Project will bring.