The Negros Occidental provincial government has distributed some 850 computer tablets to Manapla National High School (MNHS) to boost learning through the use of technology among its Grade 7 students.

The MNHS is the pilot school in the north for the implementation of the Project BONG or “Bata ang Ona sa Negros” named after Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson.

Ian Arnold Arnaez, information officer of the Department of Education Schools Division of Negros Occidental (DepEd-NegOcc), said on Tuesday the Project BONG is a continuing initiative and more schools will soon receive learning tablets for their students as well.

In the south, schools in Cauayan town were the first to receive electronic (E)-learning gadgets in November last year.

Lacson, who led the distribution of the learning tablets with Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante III, and DepEd-NegOcc Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet on Monday, said there is a need to “ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this modern world”.

“It is for this reason that in addition to providing quality public education, we must also ensure that our learners are properly equipped. Thus, today’s distribution of tablets to our students,” he added.

The governor told the students to “never waiver on your focus and take your education seriously”.

“The provincial government has been so responsive to the needs of our children. Maximize the use of the learning tablet, take care of it. Explore, enjoy and learn productively,” Liobet said in his message.

In Cauayan town, the recipients included more than 1,400 Grades 1 to 3 pupils for an intervention called “Letters and Numbers on the MoVE: Mobile Videos for Education: A Gateway for Literacy and Numeracy”.

The project was conceptualized to address the need for the improvement of teaching and learning processes, and outcomes making each learner a priority, particularly in building literacy and numeracy as well as advancing in technology. (PNA)