June 24, 2021 – To enhance virtual coordination between field offices, the Department of Education (DepEd) will soon release and install video conferencing equipment to field offices to further provide efficient services amid the distance learning implementation.

“We are continuously assisting our field offices in their endeavors for the distance learning. We are providing them tools that could help them deliver our education efficiently to our learners,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

The equipment will consist of 385 collaboration personal computers, 383 monitors, 35 cameras, 15 all-in-one collaboration PC and conferencing tools, and two large monitors, all for the use of Central, Regional, and Division Offices.

Regional offices will receive six collaboration personal computers, six monitors, and one camera, while Division offices will acquire one collaboration pc and a monitor each.

The equipment are designed specifically for video conferencing, and will be deployed in office conference rooms for online meetings and regional and division offices upskilling programs for personnel.

Each equipment will have an assigned DepEd email as its separate identity in Microsoft Teams. In addition, Microsoft will be conducting training on MS Teams to maximize conferencing functionalities.

The Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) will also organize an online briefing and orientation regarding the unboxing and proper configuration of the equipment. The said orientation will be facilitated by an authorized trainer from the supplier.

“Our collaboration and assistance to each other will create a more conducive learning environment for our learners and stakeholders. This is the key to deliver education even we are facing challenges due to pandemic,” the Education Chief stressed.

As part of the Digital Rise Program, Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua noted that this will address the challenges in virtual coordination with field offices.

“Through these equipment, our regional and division offices will have access to our platforms and can now enhance their capabilities in conducting video conferences and upskilling programs for our personnel,” shared Usec. Pascua.

This effort is spearheaded by the Information and Communications Technology Service headed by Director Abram Y.C. Abanil, under the Administration Strand led by Undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua and Assistant Secretary Salvador Malana III. It is part of the Public Schools of the Future (PSOF) Framework of the Administration Strand under the leadership of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.

END