Valenzuela City Government, in partnership with Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, launches “Just E-Connect”, a free Wi-Fi and mobile educational hub at Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, October 15.

Mayor WES Gatchalian and Congressman REX Gatchalian joined Gen. T. De Leon SK Chairman Justine Joy Rivera in the inaugural trip of “Just E-Connect” van to Sitio Kabatuhan II Covered Court in the same barangay.  They looked into the project that was proposed by SK Chairperson Justine and the Gentinian Youth Leaders, and had underwent polishing for almost a year under their guidance.

The mobile education hub is similar to a typical computer shop on wheels. It is an airconditioned van with laptops, television set, printer and a photocopying machine.  It is purposely fabricated relatively small to easily navigate narrow alleys to reach the innermost corners of the community.  It aims to facilitate expense-free research and education for the needy students, especially those who do not have access to the internet data and gadgets.

This project of the youth, for the youth, and by the youth jumpstarted when the City Government, through then Mayor REX Gatchalian, entered into a memorandum of agreement with Gentinian Youth Leaders and SK Chairperson Justine to help co-fund their mobile education hub project.  The money came from Galing Pook Award cash prize which the local government won for Valenzuela Live in October 2021. 

The youth leaders, in anticipation of prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, wanted to help their village-mates who are having difficulty accessing their online classes, doing online research and group works, among others. 

The pandemic greatly impacted the education sector everyone struggled with the online medium of instructions.  Those who do not have the capacity to readily acquire gadgets and pay for internet connection were the first to feel its blow.  Truly moved from these hardships, Chairman Justine Joy Rivera set a goal to make these need available to them and to bring them closer to their communities.  The PhP 300,000 obtained from Galing Pook Awards served as the seed fund of the project.

1^st District Representative, Cong. REX commended SK Chairman Justine, her SK Council, and the members of Gentinian Youth Organization for their efforts and perseverance in pursuing the program despite the change of administration.  He said that the launch excites him for the huge the potentials of the projects.  “This prototype will undergo monitoring and observation for improvement possibilities.  A similar project can also be launched in other barangays in the City, and in other localities in the country,” he said something to this effect in Filipino.

 “[Kahit face-to-face na,] may kaakibat na gastos ‘yung pupunta ka sa computer shop para magpa-print o mag-research. So, ito mobile library, umikot [ito] sa mga areas na nangangailangan,” Cong. REX stated [(Even if it's face-to-face already,) there is an associated cost when you go to a computer shop to print or do research. So, this mobile library, make rounds to the areas that need it.]

Mayor WES, on the other hand laid some of his future plans to also help the students in their studies, as he acknowledges the existing predicament on the internet connection availability. In his remarks, he revealed that he is targeting to roll out a Mobile Wi-Fi Stations in the City.  

“Ang internet issue, always remains an issue. Alam naman po natin dito sa Valenzuela City ay hindi perpekto ang pagbibigay ng internet connection. Ang balak ko po, [ay magkaroon] ng ‘mobile wi-fi station’. Dadaan tayo sa isang kumunidad at magbabato tayo ng libreng internet doon. Umiikot po ang van na ‘yon hanggang maabot ang mga lugar na may mahinang Wi-Fi connection,” He said. [The internet issue, always remains an issue. We all know here in Valenzuela City that the provision of internet connection is not perfect.  My intention is, [to have] a ‘Mobile Wi-Fi Station’. It will go to a community and we will throw free internet there. That van keeps going around until it reaches the areas with weak Wi-Fi connection.]

Joining the launching event were, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Councilors; Niña Lopez, Louie Nolasco, Chiqui Carreon, Barangay Councilors from Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, and various youth organizations from different Barangays.

The Valenzuela City Government is in talks with several internet providers and is set to install pending 17 Wi-Fi spots in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon.

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