The Valenzuela City government through the Techno Camp program launched the Techno Camp Laboratory during the “Tech-Talk Kids” on Monday, October 28.
Ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Valenzuela Techno Camp Laboratory in Malinta Elementary School (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)
The city government collaborated with TechnoKids, Khan Academy, and Koobits to empower the students with their technology and digital skills.
According to the city government, the “Tech-Talk Kids” was part of the city’s Digital Summit 2024, which were initially introduced last May 2024.
New computer sets for students (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)
The summit serves as a platform to introduce new educational programs and engage participants with vital information and resources for the city’s digital education initiatives.
During the event, several potential benefits for children were highlighted.
Khan Academy was recognized for providing free, high-quality education to Valenzuela City students, particularly in underserved communities. It offers interactive learning resources and tools that allow teachers to track progress and offer personalized instruction.
Koobits was mentioned for enhancing math learning through the Project Mathsigasig initiative, which aims to improve students' math skills with effective study tools and interactive activities.
TechnoKids was also emphasized for equipping students with essential digital skills through hands-on projects, coding activities, and real-world applications, preparing them for a technology-driven future.
The program will be piloted in selected public schools for elementary and high school students in the city.
The city government said that the initiatives include complete training packages, resource materials, technical support, and instructional design to support teachers and principals in implementing these new digital learning tools.
In his speech, Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian introduced the Valenzuela Techno Camp Laboratory which costs P12 million of new computer sets to public schools.
He assured that the students have the access to the resources they needed for the program.
Gatchalian also highlighted the importance of sustaining the program, emphasizing its potential to benefit future generations of students.
“I hope na, alam nyo po, madali po naman mag-launch ng ganitong programa, madali lang po humanap ng budget para bayaran po ang mga ganitong programa. Pero ang importante po ay ang sustainability, hindi masayang itong napakagandang programang ito (I hope that you know that it's easy to launch a program like this, finding the budget to support it isn't difficult. However, sustainability is what matters most — ensuring this excellent program continues to benefit our people over the long term),” he stated.
He called on principals and teachers to monitor its success, assuring them of continued support from the Mayor’s Office, led by Councilor Cris Feliciano.
“Kaya po, ang challenge na yan ay iiwan po natin sa ating mga punong guro at guro na sana kayo na po ang tumutok po sa pag-monitor ng success nitong programa at syempre po, itinalagan natin si Konsehal Cris Feliciano na kung ano man ang kailangan nyo in my end, in the Mayor's Office, makakaasa po kayo na susuportahan po natin yan (Thus, we are entrusting this challenge to our school principals and teachers, hoping that you will focus on monitoring the success of this program. We have assigned Councilor Cris Feliciano, so whatever assistance you require from my end, from the Mayor's Office, you can be confident that we will back you up),” Gatchalian said.
The mayor also visited the Malinta Elementary School to inaugurate the new computer laboratory that was dedicated to the Techno Camp roll out.
The event were also attended by TechnoKids Philippines Marketing Manager Ms. Carmie Jones, Khan Academy Philippines Training and Implementation Specialist Mr. Anthony Alvarez, Alpha EduTech Solutions, Inc. CEO Ms. Ina Cuisia-Sehwani, and CFO Ms. Julienne Sison-Vital.
Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, City Councilors Cris Feliciano-Tan, Sel Sabino-Sy, Niña Lopez, Schools Division Superintendent Mr. Noel Bagano, SABAK President Kisha Ancheta, Schools Parents-Teachers Federation, school principals, teachers, parents, and students were also graced with the said program.