Banga, Aklan - The Aklan State University will spearhead in the upcoming Consultation – Workshop on Strengthening e-Programs and e-Services in the Province of Aklan on October 25 – 27, 2006 together with Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), and the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC).

The said workshop aims to have a clear understanding of the different e-programs and e-services being implemented in the province of Aklan; develop a complementary program integrating all the initiatives on e-programs and e-services and formulate a plan of action including strategies to generate resources for the implementation of the integrated e-program for the province. This was conceptualized in response to the continued growth and popularity of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) both in public and private sectors in the province.  The concerned agencies have noticed that different agencies are undertaking various ICT initiatives without any consultation among each other. 

In the said activity, the participants will be expected to give a short presentation of their e-programs and e-services on Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (AFNR) technology generation, technology delivery services and technology utilization and application.  Then it will be followed by workshops on program integration and action planning.

Dr. Palma, together with Dr. Roberto L. Saladar, ASU Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Director, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, ASU Extension and Community Services Director, and Prof. Arlette U. Portaje,  attended the meeting hosted by PCARRD-DOST last September 5, 2006 at Los Baños, Laguna, to finalize the details for the consultation-workshop. In an interview with the ASU President, Dr. Benny A. Palma, he said that the university will pilot the convergence of electronic programs not only here in Aklan, but in the whole Philippines.  If this project pushed through, the ASU will become the model of integration of e-programs for the country.

If the plan works out, the province of Aklan, and the Philippines as a whole will benefit greatly from it.  Aside from accessibility of necessary information, the convergence model will make the implementation of the development programs of the government easier while assuring delivery of services to target clienteles.