Toshiba: Connecting the Filipino youth to 21st-century quality education
MANILA, Philippines - For talented young students to remain focused and productive, their learning abilities should be progressively supported with modern innovative teaching strategies such as computer-aided communications technology. And for the poor but deserving students of Laguna Province’s 10 public high schools to achieve academic excellence and improved life opportunities, Toshiba Corp. — the world leader in pioneering high technology — continues with its commitment to elevate the quality of education by providing computer literacy training tools and free online access.
Celebrating its third year of active participation in the “Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access for Students” (GILAS) Project of the Ayala Foundation and as part of its pledge to empower the Filipino youth through 21st-century information technology, Toshiba Corp. donated a total of 100 brand-new PC notebooks and one-year free Internet connectivity to the public school beneficiaries.
Not only helping with the students’ improved learning but also teaching vital computer skills that can greatly enhance their future employment prospects, Toshiba sees its support to the GILAS Project as a powerful vehicle that can redefine the entire educational and economic spheres of the country. “As a significant effort to help underprivileged students in their quest for better and brighter opportunities, Toshiba believes it is high time to become more proactive in responding to the society’s many ills, one of which is the quality of education in public schools,” said Dr. Ichiro Tai during the recent turn-over ceremony at the Gulod National High School in Cabuyao, Laguna.
Apart from the 100 PC notebooks, Toshiba Corp.’s long-term commitment to the high school beneficiaries also includes funding for their free broadband access to ensure that the students achieve globally competitive proficiency in computer applications.
According to Dr. Tai, the company is very pleased to support the goals and achievements of the GILAS Project — a nationwide campaign that aims to promote information literacy and bring all public high schools in the Philippines online and into the network. “Completely removing the learning barriers in these public schools is indeed a big challenge. But through collaborative efforts and willingness on the part of every person and entity that wishes to create a positive change, hindrances can be overcome,” Tai notes. “And by opening up the world of information technology to these kids, new doors of opportunity have also opened up as well, thus connecting them to resources and greater opportunities as they join the 21st-century digital setting.”
Executives present at the successful turnover rites were Fernando Zobel de Ayala (president, Ayala Corp. and co-vice chairman, Ayala Foundation Inc.), Guillermo Luz (executive vice president of Ayala Foundation Inc.), Mario Deriquito (director of the Center for Social Development of Ayala Foundation Inc. and GILAS), Atty. Lilia De Lima (director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority), Dr. Paraluman Giron (regional director, Department of Education-IV-A), Dr. Ester Lozada (Schools Division superintendent, Department of Education Province of Laguna), Mari Paul Soriano (executive director, Adopt A School Program, Department of Education), Dr. Ichiro Tai (senior executive vice president, Toshiba Corp., Japan). Shoji Yoshioka (corporate vice president, Toshiba Corp. and managing director of Toshiba Asia Pacific PTE Ltd., Singapore), Naoaki Okuzumi (general manager, Innovation Promotion Division, Toshiba Corp.), Ikuo Sako (senior quality expert, Innovation Research Division, Toshiba Corp.), Yoshiyuki Yano (president and director of Toshiba Information Equipment Philippines, Inc.) and Isao Morita (president and director of Toshiba Storage Device Philippines, Inc.). School officials, teachers, students and other members of the community also witnessed the auspicious event.
Giving back to the society by supporting programs that promote social welfare and community development, Dr. Tai said the company’s initiative is fueled by its corporate roots, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future.”
“While it is true that new technologies have evolved at breakneck speed and become steadfast elements in our everyday living, the company has not forgotten to invest in the more crucial essentials; these are harnessing today’s youth, exploring the power of the mind and leading by example through the goodness of the human spirit.”
