Senator bats fo IT development for all Pinoys

There are less than two personl computers for every 100 Filipinos and less than three quarters of one percent of all Filipinos have access to the Internet, according to Sen. Francis Pangilinan, quoting reports from the World Bank.

"For a country known as one of the best e-services outsourcers in Asia, these figures are tragic. How can we then spread the benefits of the Internet when the masses do not have access to something as basic as a telephone," Pangilinan said in a speech during the 7th Annual IT Convention organized by the STI Education Services Group recently.

He acknowledged that the problem could be traced to poverty. "How can the world be at the fingertips of a person whose reach ends up grasping no more than empty pockets."

Thus, he challenged the STI students present during the IT Convention to continue reaching out to the uninformed and conquer the so-called Digital Divide.

"To be truly the best, you must not forget those who are left behind. You who have been gifted with skills and opportunities to explore the dynamic world of interactive technology must practice the very essence of communication: that is, to bridge the knowledge gap between the electronically linked and the socially disenfranchised," Pangilinan stressed.

During the convention, STI president Chito Salazar reaffirmed the commitment of STI to provide quality IT education to the Filipino youth and making IT learning within reach.

"Since our formation in 1983, we have continually strived to produce materials to teach information technology and all its related disciplines. Constant research and development ensures that these materials are up to date and are relevant to the times," Salazar said.

The 7th Annual STI Convention that ran from Feb. 4-6 highlighted the latest technology trends like the wireless revolution, gaming technology, and career opportunities in IT.

Dubbed "The Dynamic World of Interactive Technology," this year’s IT convention featured booths from a mixture of sponsors, companies offering employment opportunities, and the different STI campuses. STI students were seen filling out application forms and interacting with their fellow STI brethren from other schools during the three-day event.