Celso joins Kenney in Zambo activities
Mayor Celso Lobregat joined yesterday US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenney in her series of activities in Zamboanga City together with officials from Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) and Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco).
Ambassador Kenney, an adopted daughter of Zamboanga City, first keynoted the launching of Globe Telecommunication’s WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) installation in Zamboanga which will extend mobile broadband internet access to subscribers in previously unserved areas.
Globe’s latest initiative, which is expected to spur the development of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, has received the support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its GEM Program.
“The expanded coverage provided by WiMax will open wide the information technology gateway for Zamboanga,” said Joji Ilagan-Bian, president of the Philippine Call Center Alliance.
Globe’s Chief Legal Counsel and Senior Advisor Atty. Rodolfo Salalima led Globe executives from Manila and Zamboanga in launching the expanded interconnectivity with the envoy.
Ambassador Kenney then motored to Barangay Tugbungan where she turned over to the barangay council a newly completed footbridge. The project was funded by USAID-GEM with the city government shelling 25% of the project’s total cost.
Also with the ambassador were Usec. Virgilio Leretaña, Medco chairman, USAID Mission Director John Lindborg, USAID Economic Advisor Robert Barnes, Ms. Bian and other US embassy officials.
In the afternoon, Ambassador Kenney led the launching of USAID-GEM Program’s Job Enabling English Proficiency (JEEP) Project at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) social hall.
WMSU is among the six schools in Mindanao that have forged partnership with USAID-GEM Program in implementing its JEEP Project under the oversight of Medco. It equips tertiary students with essential English language skills required for careers in key sectors such as BPO, tourism, nursing, allied health services and maritime services.
The other project beneficiaries are the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Mindanao State University- Marawi, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan, Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
JEEP is comprised of a two-year group of courses offered to qualifying third and fourth year college students. The first course, called “JEEP-Start” is a one-year program that includes computer-assisted instruction supported by classroom extension, and is designed to develop advanced General English language skills.
After successfully completing the first course, students enroll in “JEEP-Accelerate” which consists of mixed-mode instruction—a classroom-based speech lab and special software—and focuses on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) or English for Employment.
Dr. Grace Jr. Rebollos, WMSU president, led university students, administration officials, academic deans and faculty in welcoming Ambassador Kenney and her party. The university regents also attended the occasion held at the historic Social Hall, built by the US during the American occupation. (Vic Larato)