GERONA DOUBLES UP 'K ITo' PROGRAM

February 3 was supposedly the awarding ceremony and end of the K ITo program held at the municipal lobby but the predicted end became the beginning of a sequel.

This happened when Mayor Go said: “Ang pamahalaang bayan ng Gerona ay laging handang tumaya para sa ikabubuti ng kanyang bayan…” as response to the challenge of DOLE Regional Director Ernesto Bihis “ipagpapatuloy pa natin ang K ITo program kung tatapatan nyo ng sampu ang sampu namin.”

K Ito (Kabataan ‘IT’o) is a program by the Department of Labor and Employment granting free Basic Computer Literacy training to out-of-school youth, farmers, market vendors, housewives, senior citizens, differently-abled people, and walk-in public workers.

The project was made possible through the cooperation of the Municipal’s IT department head Rouie Arciaga, PESO Manager Ninette Mamucod, and DOLE Tarlac Provincial Director Ma. Rima Hernandez.

The K Ito program in Gerona started in October last year at the Municipal Library’s e-Learning Resource Center.

Twelve hopefuls yet technologically inclined youth were given job opportunities as mentors of 96 enrollees (8 each mentor). The mentors were part of the first batch of graduates of K Ito project.

The selected mentors were Jonard Aquino, Warren Gragasin, Dondie Mamaradlo, Ryan Christian Savico, Gerry Spence Ancheta, Alvin Salmasan, Leizel Dizon, Negelle Amor Yanga, Rizziel Labasan, Teresa Mendoza, Joanne Salazar, Ly-ann Labuguen, and Nick Manalang.

During the awarding ceremony, DOLE handed each mentor a stipend of P4, 400 in check and a brand new computer set to the PESO office in appreciation to Gerona’s efforts.

“Hindi lahat ay binibigyan namin ng computer. Ang libreng computer ay para lamang sa mga tunay na nagtatrabaho,” Director Bihis said.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between DOLE and the municipality of Gerona to ensure the second round of K Ito program.  

The second K Ito program will have people from remote barangays as participants.