By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Non-teaching personnel of Mariano Marcos State University were trained by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) Region I Office on how to maximize the use of information and communication technologies in their workplaces. 

The DICT’s digital literacy training held September 5-9 at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning equipped the employees with ICT-related information that will help them become more productive and efficient in performing their functions through digital technologies. 

Prof. Wilben Pagtaconan, director of information and technology center, said the five-day training covered topics on computer and internet use, productivity tools (Word processing, electronic spreadsheet, and multimedia presentation), and basic personal computer troubleshooting. Activities included lecture sessions and hands-on activities. 

Lecturers were Engr. Elaine Krystel Abuan and Engr. Ma-Ann Pascua, training specialists; Mary Jane Nerona, office-in-charge chief of DICT-R1 technical operations division; Engr. John Ian Baguiao, project development officer; and Mr. Michael Rabara, DICT - Ilocos Norte provincial officer. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the DICT Region I for choosing the university as one of its project beneficiaries, saying this is a big push for the digitalization of university processes. 

DICT Regional OIC-Director Rey Parnacio said the activity is a take-off from the internet media and information literacy training provided by the DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All - Free Public Access Program. In pursuit of realizing digitally-empowered citizens and communities, the DICT is assisting the government in narrowing the digital divide while strengthening inclusiveness among the special needs sectors. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)