Joint Press Release of MSU-TCTO and MSU-Maguindanao

Digital Transformation of Education in the BARMM
Two constituent campuses of the Mindanao State University, Tawi-Tawi College of Technology & Oceanography, and Maguindanao, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Digital Transformation of the BARMM (DX BARMM) Education Project today, May 8, 2023 at the Development Academy of the Philippines(DAP), Pasig City, Philippines.
This project aims to design, deploy, and assess a BARMM Information and Communcations Technology (ICT) in education model for effective teaching and learning in Higher Education that incorporates lessons learned and best practices in the global use of digital technology in education.

Ideacorp serves as the project manager of this MOU. It has solicited participation and support from DFNN Inc., the project sponsor, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Kaisipan, Inc., Intelimina Systems, Inc., and Lenovo.

The DFNN will provide a low latency satellite-based-internet connection through their partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology. The DAP will provide free use and training on its ALS Education and Skills Training (ALS -EST) digital learning materials comprising 143 modules, using White Board animation; KaISIPann will conduct faculty development using its iLEARN, iCREATE, iSHARE: Digital Capabilities Framework and free access to selected education tools; Intelimina will provide technical advise and free use (for one year) of the Grado school management system; and Lenovo will provide 20 laptops in total for the use of its ALS component.

Dr. Emmanuel “Boying” Lallana, Chief Executive of Ideacorp highlighted the importance of creating a project that can benefit the community over time.

Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr., President and CEO of DAP mentioned that solutions are not solely derived from individual technology, but rather from the collaborative efforts between and among institutions.

Mr. Ricardo Banaag, COO of DFNN Inc. conveyed that digital transformation should have a component that will lead to the sustainability of the project.

In her statement, MSU Maguindanao Chancellor Bai Hejira Sinsuat Macalandong-Limbona expressed how grateful she is for the project. She emphasized the need and importance of digital connectivity, and is very hopeful that it will help in achieving the mandate of MSU-System—to integrate the Muslims and the other cultural minorities into the mainstream of national life.

Meanwhile, MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all members of this project for selecting MSU TCTO and MSU Maguindanao from among 114 SUCs in Philippines. She mentioned that this project is a dream come true for many young students.

In closing, DAP Vice President and DAP sa Mindanao officer-in-charge Mark Lemuel Garcia mentioned the on-going partnerships with both campuses and stressed that DAP should be where developmental forces are at work.

Representatives of the collaborative partners present are:
1. Dr. Emmanuel “Boying” Lallana, Chief Executive of Ideacorp
2. Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr., President and CEO of DAP
3. Mr. Ricardo Banaag, COO of DFNN
4 Ms. Antonette “Toni” Torres, Board Secretary representing KaISIPan
5. Ms. Deng Silorio, Chief Executive of Intellimina Systems Inc.
6. Ms. Sharon Maraguinot of Lenovo
 
MSU-TCTO and MSU Maguindanao both welcome this development. The chancellors of both campuses are positive that the support of the partners in this MOU will significantly improve the quality of services that the universities can offer.
 
SDG4 focuses on education and aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
 
📸 DAP