High school to get new computers

Chacha Oceanview Junior High School was recently granted a budget to acquire new computers and printers, according to the Public School System.

Associate commissioner for administration Dr. David M. Borja disclosed yesterday that the junior high school would soon receive 15 computers and three laser printers after its Innovative Assistive Program application was approved by the PSS.

According to Chacha Oceanview Junior High School principal Vince Dela Cruz, the computers would supplement the existing computer lab at the school, citing that the new items would enable the school to create another computer lab to be located in its library.

“The additional computers would provide more accommodation for our students,” he said. “It would be made available not only during the weekdays, but for about two hours every Saturday. The computers would also be helpful for teachers while they are doing research.”

Dela Cruz said parents would have access to the computers to assist the students with homework and projects.

The school currently has 28 computers available for students in its lab, while each classroom consists of one computer as well.

In his application, Dela Cruz requested that the computers feature the following specifications: Pentium 4, 40 GB hard drive or more, 512 MB RAM, 1.44 floppy drive, DVD/CDRW, 10/100 Network Card, Windows XP Pro, Norton Anti-virus, 15-inch or 17-inch monitors, and power supplies.

The IAP is supported through the Consolidated Grant awarded to the PSS for school year 2004-2005. The PSS was granted about $9.84 million this school year.

The program provides opportunities for public schools to submit proposals of how a specific program will improve student learning.

“In this case, Mr. Dela Cruz identified that he wanted to use funds to enhance technology, and requested that it focused on purchasing computers and printers,” Borja said.

Further, Borja said the school would receive the items soon after the ongoing bidding process.

“Toward the end of month, interested firms would submit their bid packet. We would open the packets on Aug. 25, and shortly after, we would inform the firm that has been awarded the contract for providing the computers and printers,” he said.

All bids must be submitted no later than 10am on August 25.

Meanwhile, Borja said several schools have submitted IAP applications for supplemental materials for textbooks, additional supplies for teachers to use in classrooms, and additional books in library to name a few.

“The request of each school depends on innovativeness of teachers,” he said.