Groups converge to spread digital literacy

DAVAO CITY- Groups belonging to the private and public sector have consolidated their efforts in spreading digital literacy.

Dubbed as Digibayanihan, it is a two-day event which will be held this November  21-22 at the Davao City Library located inside the Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) building.

Wit Holganza of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines says digital literacy is the ability to use digital technology; this includes the simplest digital technology such as SMS (Short Messaging System) or texting.

Holganza said digital literacy can be harnessed in the grassroots for example using SMS to report and address cases of abuse or using Facebook to find missing relatives.

Though there have been efforts to help spread digital literacy,DigiBayanihan  is a convergence of volunteers in digital literacy which includes the City Library of Davao, Intel, Google Business Group, Mynd Consulting, Zonta Club, Tambayan Non-Government Organization, Davao Graphic Designers Group, Enhance the Creativity (a school-based graphic design group).

Guesting at this Wednesday’s (Nov. 19) Club 888 Media Forum at Marco Polo Davao, Victor Sapar, executive director of ICT Davao said that the two days of Digibayanihan will be of teaching different sectors on various aspects of digital literacy.

On the first day, 20 pupils from the Zonta School, a public school in the depressed area of Isla Verde in Davao City will be taught basic drawing and basic digital art. While in the afternoon Persons with Disabilities (PWD) will have digital art workshop sessions.

Wit Holganza said that November 22 would have digital storytelling group Swito Twins conduct a seminar on Digital Storytelling to kids abandoned by their OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) parents.

Holganza said the event initiated by OFW Watch, a group dedicated to assist abandoned OFW kids will enable students to make digital stories in the hope of finding their parents.

Sapar said that Digital Literacy campaign will try to seek new platforms for digital literacy one of which is through smart phones thus empowering people and communities.

The attendance to these workshops/seminars is free of charge.  (PIA/RG Alama)