Pangasinan to Host First-Ever IT Challenge for Youth With Disabilities

Young people with disabilities in Pangasinan will gather at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center on June 21 for the inaugural Pangasinan IT Challenge for Youth With Disabilities. This competition, organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance the information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities of young individuals with disabilities.

Governor Ramon Guico 3rd’s vision of transforming Pangasinan into a province of great opportunities served as the inspiration for this event. By providing a platform for young people with disabilities to showcase their skills, the competition aligns with the governor’s goal of fostering inclusivity and creating equal opportunities for all members of society.

Annabel Terrado Roque, Chief of the PSWDO, emphasized the significance of the event in empowering young individuals with disabilities. The competition not only highlights their proficiency in ICT tools but also encourages them to explore new technologies and develop their skills further. By embracing these digital advancements, the youth can actively participate in various aspects of society and contribute to their communities.

Jennifer Garcia, head of the PSWDO’s Persons With Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), expressed her hope that the event would promote inclusivity and inspire young people with disabilities to pursue careers in ICT. By providing them with a platform to showcase their abilities, the competition aims to break barriers and change societal perceptions about individuals with disabilities.

The competition will be open to youth with disabilities aged 13 to 24 years old who are currently enrolled in either public or private schools. Participants will compete in three categories: eTools (Excel and PowerPoint), eLifeMap, and eContents. These categories will assess their technological skills and creativity, allowing them to demonstrate their proficiency in various areas of ICT.

Prizes await the winners of the Pangasinan IT Challenge for Youth With Disabilities. The first-place winner will receive P5,000, the second-place winner will be awarded P3,000, and the third-place winner will receive P1,500. These incentives aim to recognize the participants’ hard work and dedication while motivating them to continue their pursuit of excellence in ICT.

Through this landmark event, Pangasinan reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering young people with disabilities. By bridging the digital divide and providing equal opportunities, the province takes a significant step toward becoming a premier destination for individuals of all abilities to thrive and succeed in the digital age.