To further promote digital literacy, the Department of Education (DepEd) trained teachers and learners on the usage of latest productivity tools useful in digital education practices.

In partnership Microsoft Philippines, DepEd introduced the Project Be Techie in School (B.T.S.) 2.0: A Balik Eskwela Digital Literary Starter Pack.

“This is what Project B.T.S. is all about, encapsulating the thrust for digital literacy among our teachers and learners,” Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua said.

With the help Microsoft Philippines, DepEd has prepared a digital literacy starter pack for students and teachers.

Through the Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth formation Division (BLSS-YFD) and Information and Communications Technology Services (ICTS), the agency assisted the teachers and learners to know more about usage and access of Office 365 of Microsoft.

DepEd-ICTS Director Abram Y.C. Abanil said commended the programs of the Youth Formation Division.

He noted that these programs get a “lot of synergies with the efforts of the ICT service in making technology available, not just for teachers but more importantly, for the learners themselves.”

Meanwhile, Customer Success Manager of Microsoft Philippines Kristian Catahan, discussed the overview of Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and Activation of Learners account for a better experience in remote learning.

Moreover, Microsoft Philippines' Education Programs Managers Grace Co and Clarissa Segismundo formally launched the Microsoft-YFD plans, namely Microsoft Youth Ambassador (MYA) Program and Digital Literacy Certification.

The MYA program will look for Junior and Senior High School learners from DepEd schools who will serve as ambassadors and will champion technology for learning and advocate mentorship among students.

Furthermore, the Microsoft Youth Ambassador will also be involved in the national and international programs participated in or led by the BLSS-YFD and Microsoft Philippines.

Aside from this, the partnership of DepEd and Microsoft will also offer courses that will help the learners gain the digital literacy certification necessary to engage in a digital economy and will be vital in the professional world.

Microsoft Philippines' Public Sector Lead Joanna Rodriguez, meanwhile, thanked DepEd for trusting Microsoft Philippines.

“We have been partners for many years, and the work that we do is anchored on enabling quality and accessible education,” she said.

As it implements blended learning set-up due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country, DepEd has been strengthening its thrust towards digital literacy.

Recognizing the role of teachers in digital education, Pascua also commended all their efforts in “making sure every learner is given the opportunity to level up and become more equipped to face the challenges of learning ahead of them.”