January 13, 2023, Basco, Batanes | Through the initiative of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department, the Batanes State College ( Batanes State College ) Team met with the Municipal Mayor of Basco ( MLGU – BASCO ), Hon. German A. Caccam to discuss research and extension matters, specifically on the conduct of the ICT department’s extension program CLIK: Computer Literacy Program for Ivatan Komunity. The extension program aims to help the Ivatan community use basic computer programs, which can help assist fellow Ivatans to be computer literate and be equipped with basic computer operation knowledge that will surely help them in their work.

Among others, the following were discussed during the short dialogue: (1) Updates on the details of the Memorandum of Agreement and possible MOA Signing Schedule; (2) data on the number of LGU-Basco Employees, Barangay Officials (per Barangay), Solo Parents, PWDs, Senior Citizens, and Youth; (3) conduct of Training Needs Analysis; (4) budgetary requirement update for the extension program CLIK; and (5) possible research endeavors such as water billing system and extension programs such as the clean up drive for the student organization AITO.

The Hon. Mayor stressed the need to establish a water billing system that would help reduce transaction time and provide more accurate data for the public. The BSC group, led by Mr. Castillo and Mr. Palattao from the ICT department, then pledged their commitment to prioritize the said system through a research study. Mayor Caccam also supported and encouraged Mr. Palma, the AITO Governor, to submit a Project Proposal of any environmental activities the organization wishes to conduct.

The dialogue was attended by the RDET Director Prof. Leobert Banzali, College Research and Extension Coordinator Prof. Jane S. Castillo, Extension Program Leader Prof. Rolando L. Palattao Jr, and Extension Program Members Prof. Randall G. Castillo and AITO Governor Mr. Niño Palma.