IN a move toward fostering gender equality in the tech industry, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has voiced his support for the recent partnership between the Department of Education and iamtheCODE.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between DepEd, led by Secretary Sonny Angara, and the visionary organization iamtheCODE, founded by Lady Marieme Jamme, aims to equip female high school students across the Philippines with critical coding and digital skills.
Pimentel, a long-time advocate for integrating coding into the curriculum, believes this collaboration marks a crucial step in enhancing the educational opportunities for young women in the country.
“By focusing on our young women, we are not only providing them with opportunities to thrive in the digital economy but also promoting gender equality in the tech industry,” he emphasized.
The senator’s commitment to this initiative is further reflected in his legislative efforts. Pimentel has filed Senate Bill No. 79, which seeks to incorporate age-appropriate computer programming into the enhanced basic education curriculum.
“It would be timely for the Senate Committee on Basic Education to prioritize this measure,” he stated, underscoring the importance of empowering students with coding skills to prepare them for the demands of the 21st century.
Pimentel’s support for the DepEd-iamtheCODE partnership is rooted in his belief that teaching students how to code can significantly improve their performance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM. Moreover, he argues that these skills will equip students to become globally competitive, enabling them to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“This initiative by DepEd and iamtheCODE is a commendable effort to provide the youth with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world,” Pimentel affirmed.
By investing in the digital education of female high school students, the partnership aims to not only bridge the gender gap in the tech industry but also unlock the immense potential of the country’s young women.
This collaborative effort between DepEd and iamtheCODE represents a significant stride toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Philippines.
