97 teachers recognized in Globe training program

CEBU, Philippines - Believing that education and technology are twin pillars to success, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday led the recognition rites of the first batch of 97 Global Filipino Teachers.

The 97 teachers, who are public school teachers from 14 school divisions region-wide, have just graduated from Globe’s Information and Communication Technology training program.

Globe, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Coalition for Better Education, recently gave these teachers training workshops integrating ICT in teaching basic subjects like English, Science, Math, and HeKaSi (Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika).

“Through the GFT Program, Globe strengthens its commitment to be the leader in ICT for education by providing public school teachers with the skills to enhance the learning experience of students in public schools all over the country,” said Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive officer.

GFT is an extensive six-day teacher training program that focuses on the proper use of ICT application for school-centered classroom activities. It was first launched in Central Visayas where the biggest concentration of schools under the Globe Internet in Schools Program (ISP) can be found.

Globe invited 100 ISP-connected schools from Metro Cebu, Cebu Province, Bohol and Negros Oriental to field in teachers for the GFT training held last November in Cebu and Bohol. Ninety-seven were able to finish the course.

The teachers who completed the GFT training automatically earned three units in a Masters Program should they decide to pursue higher education, Cu said.

Arroyo, in her speech yesterday, acknowledged that the “foundation of opportunity is education.”

“Education is the key to a better life… will open minds and open doors for opportunities with Globe and other telecommunication companies as the backbone,” Arroyo, who was once a teacher before she ran for public office, added.

She also commended Globe for providing Internet connectivity to some 950 public high schools nationwide since 2001. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV      (FREEMAN NEWS)