Representatives from four selected barangay beneficiaries within Laguna received computers donated by Concentrix Philippines at the Barangay Digital (Dx) Transformation Hub Turnover Ceremony at the Oblation Hall, UPOU, Los Baños, Laguna, 01 July 2024. The event was conducted by the Faculty of Management of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Laguna and Concentrix Philippines

The turnover event was attended by representatives from the four barangays, led by Ms.Judith Ruazol, PESO Manager of Cavinti; Hon. Clement O. Chin, Barangay Captain of Cansuso, Cavinti; Hon. Rey Dela Cruz, Barangay Councilor from San Vicente, San Pedro; Hon. Jocy Navallo, Barangay Captain of Sto. Domingo, Bay; and Hon. Ferdinand Punzalan Vargas, Barangay Captain of Maahas, Los Baños

Barangay Dx Transformation Hub aims to foster digital transformation in Laguna’s local communities. Through digital learning hubs, capacity-building programs, extensive open online courses, and community resilience-building and disaster response, the said initiative seeks digitization of barangay-level capacities. It will also offer access to the Province of Laguna Employment and Information System (PLEIS), a platform for efficient job seeking for barangay stakeholders.

UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda Dela Peña Bandalaria opened the program by emphasizing that digital inclusion for Laguna’s local communities is Barangay Dx Transformation Hub’s primary foundation. She added that digital literacy and access, at this point in time, is considered as a basic skill similar to reading and writing. Dr. Bandalaria also stressed the importance of political will and support in continuing such technological linkages. 

Mr. Alnard U. Pagulayan, Leader-Talent Delivery of Concentrix Philippines, followed with a message explaining Concentrix’s efforts in building technological capacities among the communities of Laguna, and not just the business sector. Additionally, Ms. Mary Jane. T Banasihan-Corcuera, PESO Laguna Manager, stressed that it is high time that opportunities to transform services into community development should start at the barangay level. In this sense, PESO aims to expand its projects by collaborating with the academe and the industry front-runners like Concentrix.

The event was closed by FMDS Dean Dr. Joane V. Serrano. She mentioned that FMDS saw the lack of progress within local communities for public service initiatives as they only serve as sources of statistical data only. Hence, a need for a targeted community development initiative at the barangay level, like the Barangay Dx Transformation Hub, was conceptualized. She also promised that FMDS and the Information and Communication Technology Development Office (ICTDO) will do their best to conduct necessary trainings for digital and technical services of the barangay hub.

Barangay Dx Transformation Hub is part of UPOU’s commitment to public service, specifically service to the community, and the promotion of digital transformation and community improvement. It is in line with different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals). 

Written by: Angelo James Fababeir (Intern) • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz

Sustainable Development Goals

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