President Arroyo lauds Microsoft donation to gov�t ICT programs

By joel d. pinaroc

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently commended the efforts of Microsoft Corp. to bridge the ‘digital divide’ in the Philippines through the company’s various academic and social responsibility programs in the country.

The President, who was guest of honor at the tenth anniversary celebration of the US-based software giant here in the Philippines, mentioned particularly the R300 million in donation and grants from Microsoft to various government IT programs.

"The R300 million that Microsoft has given to the Philippines, in grants and donation of software and computers, has gone a long way in providing basic IT skills to Filipinos," Arroyo, in a speech, said.

Microsoft Corp., through its Philippine office has pledged more than $2 million for various poverty alleviation programs through the mass use of IT.

The programs being implemented by the Philippine office includes grants to rural schools and donations to areas that are having difficulties getting basic computer services such as Internet connection.

Another key program that Microsoft Philippines has initiated is the "No Teacher Left Behind" program which seeks to train teachers basic computer skills. These teachers in turn can share the skills to other teachers and students.

Microsoft has also initiated various programs with other multinational IT firms, particularly computers and software donation to schools in depressed areas, and has been working with government agencies to roll out the programs.

The President meanwhile added that IT plays a major role in ‘unifying’ the Philippines, when it comes to technology.

And the benefits go beyond computers she said, adding that Filipinos with basic computer skills now have a better chance of landing jobs with IT and IT-enabled sectors, particularly business process outsourcing.

"The call center industry is just one example of how IT has helped Filipinos get more jobs and become globally competitive," she said, adding that IT continues to be one of the ‘brighter’ spots in the country’s economy.

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AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING CELL SITE APPLICATION FEE

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as “the Local Government Code of the Philippines” empowers the City Government to impose supervisory, regulatory, application, processing and monitoring fees to defray the expenses of the government;

WHEREAS, Communication towers or cell sites are vital component of efficient telecommunication business which is now generating huge profits for Private Telecom Entities due to millions of subscribers nationwide;

WHEREAS, the City through Ordinance No. 24 Series of 2004 and Executive Order No. 84-A Series of 2005 issued by Mayor James Gordon, Jr. created the Telecom and IT Board with its duties and functions clearly stated;

NOW, THEREFORE, In the interest of public service and on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano, with the unanimous accord of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present,

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled, to enact the following Ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 34
Series of 2005

AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING CELL SITE APPLICATION FEE

BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD IN SESSION ASSEMBLED, THAT:

SECTION 1. An application fee of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) shall be collected per Cell site application with-in the territorial jurisdiction of Olongapo City;

SECTION 2. Application fee shall be paid at the City Treasurer and official receipt thereof shall form part of the “Notice to Proceed” to be issued by the City Mayor;

SECTION 3. All requirements outlined in Resolution No. 13 Series of 2005 “A Resolution Establishing Guidelines, Rules and Regulations for Cell Site Application in the City of Olongapo” must be complied with before actual construction, installation and operation of cell sites;

SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect upon its approval