The local government of Gerona unveiled its first mobile classroom for ALS learners, modeled and refurbished by Tarlac State University's Center for Solar and Emerging Technologies.
TSU, Department of Science and Technology Tarlac, Department of Education Tarlac Province, and LGU Gerona officially launched the G-iRIDE (Gerona Innovative Roving Interactive Instructional Materials for Diverse Educational Needs) on Monday (October 2) at the Gerona municipal hall covered court.
TSU Solar Center Director Mr. Bryan Christopher Sico remodeled Gerona town's old ambulance into a mobile classroom within two months.
The G-iRIDE features a 50-inch solar-powered television, which is shock-proof and waterproof. It also has speakers and a mini library where learners and teachers can access their modules.
Moreover, it is equipped with the Interactive Multimedia Teaching Aid (IMTA) that can screen presentations, videos, and other lessons.
The mobile classroom is set to roam around the remote barangay of Don Basilio to help address the increasing number of out-of-school youth in their area.
DOST Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat lauded the G-iRIDE as the first in the Philippines, according to DOST Tarlac Provincial Director Ms. Karen Danez.
Furthermore, Ms. Danez said they will install the DOST Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) software, an offline digital library that teachers can access.
In a speech, she added that Gerona town Mayor Eloy Eclar had already expressed his willingness to provide a computer unit for the STARBOOKS.
The G-iRIDE will be displayed in the Regional Science and Technology Innovation Week in Botolan Zambales from October 18-20, 2023.
Engr. Emir Lenard Sicangco, Office of University Extension Services Director, represented TSU President Dr. Arnold Velasco in the launching, along with Dir. Sico.
DepEd Tarlac ALS Education Program Supervisor Dr. Helen Bose, ALS teachers, and DOST staff also attended the event. (jlmm-OPA)
Photos by Maria Adelaida D. Calayag
