by Peter Balocnit

TABUK CITY (6 October) -- With cyber education the in thing nowadays, St. William's Academy (SWA), a Catholic High School here is aiming to upgrade its level of education through information technology.

Efren Danag, SWA computer programmer proposed for the establishment of a learning resource center that will house an internet café for students and teachers to have access to the outside world. "This will open the opportunity of learning and accessing relevant information especially in the fields of science, research and technology," he said.

In his proposal presented before the general assembly of members of the St. William's Academy Family Council he said the opening of the internet will provide low cost internet subscription for SWA students as well as the community.

He said that computers have become a basic tool for students and the internet a necessary means to keep abreast on moment to moment of change taking place. "Internet is now the primary source on latest development from science to entertainment," he said.

He explained the internet if established in SWA will serve as an avenue for the enhancement of the teaching and learning process. "In the end to be at par with other schools in the other cities in terms of information technology," he stressed.

In his market analysis why internet is feasible and a viable project for SWAFC, he pointed out that Barangay Bulanao has Internet Cafes but could not daily cater to a big number of customers qeueing for access. "And the biggest customers are students from the five (5) high schools in the barangays," he said.

Danag said SWA has a population of more than 1,000 which is a ready market for the proposed internet. He proposed to purchase initially five units of computers plus accessories.

He is optimistic that by the fifth month of its operation, the project will earn an income of P15,000.00. Cost of WiFi subscription, electricity and maintenance will come from the income derived therefrom.

Meanwhile, the SWAFC in its endeavor to help provide quality education to their children, has contributed financial support for the construction of an audio-visual room (AVR).

SWAFC Treasurer Elsa Soriano reported that so far a total of P200,000.00 from accumulated annual dues of parents, parents' donations, proceeds from the Bingo Bonanza, solicitation and fines was transferred to the school management for disposition.