Barangay Computer Literacy Program (BCLP)
– Philippines
Context: The advent of internet technology in the new millennium brought a new
wave of data processing and information in faster and different ways. In the
Philippines, internet usage is growing. As of June 2016, Internet World Statistics
records 52.6 per cent of the population as internet users.
The Barangay Computer Literacy Program (BCLP) was launched on 19 April 1999 in
selected barangays (districts) in Pasig City. A total of 19 out of 30 barangays are
currently active implementers of BCLP. It was originally designed by former
councillor and current Mayor of Pasig City Robert “Bobby” Eusebio, to help public
elementary teachers, government officials and national employees to learn basic
computer skills for free.
Implementation of programme/initiative: The programme is run and funded by the
City Government of Pasig, under the supervision of Alternative Learning System
(ALS) instructional managers and BCLP computer instructors. Its main objective is to
improve computer literacy among the residents of Pasig and to give equal
opportunities to the marginalized population of the city.
The programme runs on a trimester calendar and classes are held for two hours daily,
Monday to Friday.
Each trimester has three levels:
Level 1: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Concepts
Level 2: Photo and Graphics Enhancement Program
Level 3: Internet Essentials and Basic Web Page Design
In selected barangays, further training is provided for those who want to pursue a
course on PC troubleshooting (hardware servicing).
Main challenges: As access to technology spreads, the objectives and initiatives of
the programme have been challenged since it faces shrinking numbers of enrolees
each semester. Additionally, inconsistency with participant attendance affects the
budget and number of graduates per year since not all participants have completed the
required number of hours and lessons to complete the programme.
Results achieved: Records supplied by the Pasig City’s Barangay Affairs Office
report a total of 24,536 graduates who completed levels 1 to 3 from 1999 to May
2016. The majority, or 60 per cent of the participants, are aged between 16 to 30, and
most of them, or 70 per cent, are unemployed. The administrators and instructors
continuously receive positive feedback from beneficiaries, who express their gratitude
at having been employed because of the skills gained from the programme.
Moving Forward: The City Government of Pasig aims to collaborate with the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to encourage
participants to finish the programme by awarding certificates of completion.
Additionally, BCLP is looking forward to partnering with private sector actors who
are willing to engage graduates in employment.
Replicability: Since 1992, BCLP has helped hundreds of thousands of students,
employed and unemployed, to learn basic to advanced computer skills for free.
Between 1995 and 2016, there were a total of 24,536 beneficiaries of the programme.
Considered as a school-to-work transition programme, BCLP helps beneficiaries to
enhance, improve and develop computer skills, enabling them to compete in the
digital world. BCLP is available in Pasig and for Pasig residents only. Neighbouring
communities may adopt and implement the programme to give equal opportunities
and training to those who cannot afford private computer lessons.
References:
http://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/subpages/SerbisyongE.aspx?nSeq=224
http://www.internetworldstats.com/asia/ph.htm
Interview, Joselito Comsti, OIC BCLP
https://yptoolbox.unescapsdd.org/portfolio/bclp-philippines/
