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1st Open Technology Fair opens in Koronadal
by
Myk Gumapos
—
last modified
2007-10-03 03:02 PM
Contributors:
Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews
© Copyright 2006 MindaNews
A Publication of the Mindanao News and Information Cooperative Center
KORONADAL CITY, Sept 26 – At least 500 students, teachers and representatives from various sectors will gather here Thursday for the two-day Open Technology Fair 2007, the first-ever event in the area that will highlight the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) as well as latest agricultural and industrial technologies.
June Angelie Muyco, one of the lead organizers, said they launched
the activity to help promote awareness on FOSS at the “grassroots of
the educational system.”
“We felt the need to organize this kind of activity to prop up the
interest of young students, like us, about FOSS, Linux and other open
systems,” said Muyco, a junior student of KNCHS.
Fernando Hilomen, KNCHS principal, said they will present the
integration of Linux systems and FOSS in the school's computer
education curriculum as well as recognize the achievements of the
students under the program.
“Through this, students will be able to unleash their creativity,
convey FOSS information more dynamically, and collaborate to create
innovative projects,” he said.
The activities include lectures on FOSS, technical-vocational and
ICT programs of the government; contests; booth displays; and, fun
games.
Organizers will also present a statement of support and signatures
endorsing House Bill 1716 or the “Free and Open Source Software Act of
2007.”
The proposed measure, filed by Bayan Muna Party list
Representative Teodoro Casiño, mandated the use of FOSS and open
standards in government departments and educational
institutions.
Casiño initially filed the proposed FOSS Act in the 13th Congress
but was overtaken by its adjournment earlier this year. He has refiled
the proposed law in the 14th Congress.
The event will be graced by Dr. Francisco Sarmiento, project
officer of the United Nations Development Program-International Open
Source Network (UNDP-IOSN)-Asean+3 and officials from the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education, Technical Education
Skills and Development Authority and the provincial government of South
Cotabato.
Way To Go SOCSKSARGEN!!!