TABUK, Kalinga (2 October) -- Teachers all over Kalinga Division were trained-free on computer manipulation particularly on excel and power point through Microsofts Program Potensyal in partnership with Partners in Learning or PIL.

According to Division Planning Officer Gaspar Ola-ao, the continuing computer training of school personnel is aimed to train teachers for the eventual integration of computer in the classroom in support to the school first initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Secondary schools have already integrated computer in their classes, and the elementary pupils will soon be taught basic computer knowledge, Ola-ao said.

Sonny Alicmas, Division Document Manager said a pool of trainors commissioned by Microsoft Philippines came to Kalinga and conducted free training on computer in various venues.

He said 1,066 teachers - 816 from the elementary and 250 from high school- were trained from July to August this year.

Shirley Fernando, Bulanao Central School Principal whose 47 teachers underwent training said an upgrading training on data processing for selected teachers will be conducted on September 30. The school received 20 computer units from Congressman Laurence Wacnang and its 1,500 pupils will be exposed on computer after a separate schedule shall have been determined for them.

Alicmas said Kalinga Division is performing well on ICT. He said the division is vying for the top ten high performers in Luzon.

The three criteria for selection are participation to the 21st Century Leadership Training for school administrators, completed output and online membership registration to the web.

Computer equipments and gadgets worth P10 million will be awarded to the top 30 divisions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, courtesy of Microsoft and PIL, he said.