Project LODI: boosting DOST’s digital transformation while giving solid IT internship for science scholars

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DOST scholars gear up to become the next lodis of information technology (IT).


Through the project League of Developers Initiative (LODI), an undertaking of two Department of Science and Technology (DOST) offices: the Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the Planning and Evaluation Service (DOST-PES), DOST scholars taking up IT courses can soon avail government internship opportunities.

The Department claims a ‘win-win’ arrangement over this. The internship program vows to provide scholars with exceptional IT internship experience and, at the same time, amplify DOST’s digital transformation efforts.

The project is slated for long-term implementation and will cover more complex components of the transformation, such as culture and systems education, on top of automation of various DOST data and processes. The development will include programming, testing, copywriting, design, and implementation.

During the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signing held on August 4, 2022, at the DOST Compound in Taguig City, DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo expressed excitement for DOST scholars. “It’s an opportunity to provide a challenging environment to further develop the skills of our science scholars and encourage them to join the government workforce,” Dr. Biyo said.

The DOST-SEI spearheads the country’s premier science scholarship programs. It also engages in teacher training programs, innovations in education, and youth science promotion activities. Project LODI is an addition to the Institute’s initiatives to develop scholars’ professional excellence and social responsibility.

Dr. Biyo stated that more and more DOST scholars are involved in worthwhile endeavors. Many have started volunteer work in their communities. “Now, we’ll welcome talented IT students into this DOST-wide project. Our scholars are on the right track, and we couldn’t be any prouder,” she added.

DOST scholars nationwide can participate since this will be a ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) arrangement on virtual or work-from-home setup. According to DOST-SEI Scholarship Division Chief Peter Gerry Gavina, around 1,000 DOST scholars graduating IT students are expected to join in the project’s pilot run. The DOST-SEI will coordinate with state universities and colleges (SUCs) delivering the DOST scholarship programs to come up with the list of scholars qualified for the internship.

Also present during the MOA signing is DOST-PES Director and IT project manager Cezar Pedraza. He assured that in LODI, “students will have a more solid foundation on programming and an optimal experience for their on-the-job (OJT) training.” Pedraza also hopes to address the challenges encountered by many students in their OJT, such as inadequate and unrelated tasks.

To anchor the project, the DOST-PES Information Technology Division has already developed the Programming Conventions and Standards, an IT Library of components and assets, and the Standard Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for the DOST.

Former DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña and newly appointed science chief Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. gave their full support to LODI, which Sec. de la Peña described as a “scholars’ project and a way of letting people know what the DOST is doing.”

Sec. Solidum, who was instrumental in creating LODI as DOST’s Chief Information Officer, is optimistic that the project will speed up DOST’s digital transformation. “DOST scholars will play key roles in enhancing the Department’s efficiency, promoting transparency, and delivering better services to the people,” he said.

PHOTO CAPTION:

DOST officials are ready to welcome future scholar ‘lodis’. The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the DOST Planning and Evaluation Service (DOST-PES) signed a partnership deal for the Project League of Developers Initiative (Project LODI) on August 4, 2022 at the DOST Compound in Taguig City. Project LODI enables the digital transformation of DOST with the help of IT students DOST scholars. In the photo are DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., former DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña (2nd and 3rd from left, standing), DOST-PES Director Cezar Pedraza, and DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo (2nd and 3rd from left, seated). Also present during the MoA signing are DOST-SEI Deputy Director Albert Mariño, DOST-SEI Scholarship Division Chief Peter Gerry Gavina, DOST-PES IT Division Chief Rogelio Roasa Jr., and DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) Director Richard Burgos. Photo by Gerardo Palad, DOST-STII.   

Sinag Schools program powers up school in Batangas

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SM Foundation (SMFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group, together with Maxeon Solar Technologies, recently powered up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School (LPES) in Batangas through the Sinag Schools program.

This social good collaboration between SMFI and Maxeon aims to provide clean and renewable energy to schools in grassroot communities by installing solar panels on an SM school building, especially to those that have low operating expenses.

In addition to the solar panel installation which intends to power positive change in the way energy is consumed in public schools, the program also aims to enhance the understanding of students in terms of energy management and the need to transition to cleaner energy alternatives with lower environmental impacts.

“Through this program, we want to power up the learning and development of young people. We want to help teach young people about solar energy, about renewable energy. We want to power up the next generation to help save our planet,” Maxeon Fab4 General Manager Glenn Everett said.

The SM school building at the LPES, which was donated by SMFI in partnership with SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) in 2017, now boasts 21 solar panels—estimated to produce 6510 watt-p. With the savings on electricity, the school may realign their budget to more efforts and other innovations that will give the students an environment more conducive to learning.


It takes a village to raise a child

SMFI executive director Debbie Sy underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing the learning experience of every student in the country: “We believe that collaboration can drive growth and become a force for good in addressing societal challenges. CSR partnerships can create solutions that improve society by fostering learning, promoting innovation and gaining access to new technologies, such as the Sinag schools program. CSR collaboration can pool resources, both financial and human resources - between multiple organizations which can amplify social good impact.”

“The establishment of an ever-evolving CSR strategy and partnerships will help companies and non-government organizations in developing and implementing crucial social good programs over decades while having procedures in place that integrate social and environmental priorities into CSR core strategy – all in close collaboration with stakeholders,” she further added.

Moreover, Everett mentioned how SMFI and Maxeon share the similar set of values and interest when it comes to helping Filipino learners: “We have this concept of powering positive change in the world. We are happy to be working together with SM Foundation to power up the Lemery Pilot Elementary School.”

“Individually, we can do so much. But together we can do actually more. For us to bring our solar technology and SMFI to bring in their schools, these things are much better together than they would be apart,” he concluded.



Spreading social good all the way

SM Foundation made sure to truly touch the lives of the learners and teachers of LPES as it donated eight desktop computers, 200 bags with school supplies, and more than 160 pcs brand new kinder and elementary books to further promote the love for reading among the students. Clothing items for parents were also distributed.

For more information about this initiative, follow SM Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: @SMFoundationInc.

Maxeon is headquartered in Singapore. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Maxeon® and SunPower® brand solar panels. Maxeon has sales operations in more than 100 countries, operating under the SunPower brand in certain countries outside the United States. Maxeon is a leader in solar innovation with products that span the global rooftop and solar power plant markets through a network of more than 1,700 trusted partners and distributors. A pioneer in sustainable solar manufacturing, Maxeon leverages a +35-year history in the solar industry and numerous awards for its technology.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.


PHOTO CAPTIONS:

SMFI 1-2: Through the Sinag Schools program, SMFI and Maxeon installed 21 solar panels— estimated to produce 6510 watt-p—on an SM school building in Batangas.

SMFI 3: SM Supermalls employee volunteers led the distribution of donations from SM Foundation to the students of Lemery Pilot Elementary School.

SMFI 4: SM Foundation and Maxeon Solar Technologies formally held the community launch of the Sinag Schools Program at Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas.

Save the Children Philippines’ Statement on Safe Back to School for SY 2022-2023

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Learning must no longer be disrupted – no matter what it takes.


Save the Children Philippines supports the mandate on the formal reopening of schools for School Year 2022-2023, provided that the safety of face-to-face classes are strictly ensured for children and adults, the protection of their mental health and well-being are prioritized, and education systems are further strengthened.

The Philippines is among the last countries to reopen schools since the start of the pandemic. After two and a half years, the impact of the pandemic-induced school closure in the country has become more evident than ever.

The Asian Development Bank reported that students in Developing Asia, including the Philippines, lost over half a year of effective learning on average. Meanwhile, a recent World Bank report revealed that more than 90 percent of Filipino children struggle with reading and understanding simple texts at age 10. This problem is even compounded by the significant number of out-of-school children which is now close to half a million.

Save the Children is committed to help address this education crisis. We call on the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), national government agencies, all local government units (LGUs), including the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and all sectors of society to work together and ensure the following:

Health and safety 

Strictly implement health and safety protocols, ensuring that schools have adequate ventilation, safe spaces, and proper water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. Students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel should have access to regular testing and vaccination, as applicable.


Protect well-being

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) must be fully integrated into educational responses. Increased MHPSS provisions for teachers, children and their families should be considered to help protect their wellbeing and economic security. Teachers must also be capacitated in identifying children experiencing violence and/or neglect, and in supporting children’s recovery. Children can also be enrolled in early childhood care and development (ECCD) to help prepare them for formal school.

Strengthen education systems and access to quality and inclusive education
Schools should be able to address educational inequalities and be able to support the specific needs of children most impacted by inequality and discrimination. There should also be referral mechanisms and contingency plans for reclosure and reopening of classes, as well as alternative/ flexible learning options, as necessary. Teachers should also be trained in the assessment of learners' level of learning to inform remedial efforts and provide age-appropriate learning support. Investment on the digital literacy of teachers and students is also critical so they can competently adapt to the ever-changing demands of the global education landscape.

It is imperative, that we all take collective steps to improve the overall quality of education, make up for lost learning, and support disadvantaged students as the school year starts. This includes investing in data and research, and implementing 1) concrete catch-up programs and remedial education, especially in marginalized communities; 2) proactive approaches to reintegrate out-of-school children; 3) accommodation for children with disabilities; and 4) improving teachers’ professional development.



All these initiatives must ensure that the adverse effects of the pandemic do not cross over to the next generation.



Our conviction is clear: Learning must no longer be disrupted.



Save the Children Philippines will continue to work with the DepEd, MBHTE, teachers and the academe, the private sector, and other stakeholders, including parents and children themselves, in improving the competencies and learning outcomes of students, and ensuring that dropouts, and learning gaps and inequality will be addressed.

 
Every Filipino child, regardless of who, what, and where they are, or whatever their circumstances may be, deserves the right to learn at all times.

We can give them the future they deserve if we work hand-in-hand to get our children safely back to school.