In a major boost to digital education in remote and conflict-affected areas, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN rolled out its eTuro Digital Learning System at Berwar Integrated School in Barangay Berwar, Lanao del Norte.
The initiative, implemented under the agency’s Science for Peace program, aims to broaden access to modern learning tools and narrow the educational divide in underserved communities.
The formal turnover ceremony brought together representatives from DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, the Department of Education (DepEd), local government officials, educators, students, and community members. As part of the deployment, DOST equipped the school with 80 ASUS Chromebooks and two full-screen connected televisions. Ahead of the handover, technical installation and specialized teacher training were completed.
DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan emphasized the role of innovation in fostering long-term community development, highlighting how technology helps overcome geographical and resource constraints while science contributes to peace through quality education.
Highlighting the system’s potential to streamline instruction, Malawan praised eTuro as a platform that eases teachers’ workloads while functioning as “a bridge between learners and opportunity.”
Short for Enhancing Teachers’ Unimpeded Rational Objectives, eTuro is designed around DepEd elementary learning competencies. The system covers core subjects, including Mathematics, Science, English, Filipino, Araling Panlipunan and Computer, by offering video lessons, student guides, interactive classroom activities, automated assessments and complete teacher lesson plans. Powered by AI-assisted content generation and curriculum-aligned management, the pilot program will initially serve Grade 6 learners and their educators.
In public and private classrooms since 2020, the versatile system supports face-to-face, online, synchronous and asynchronous learning environments.
To ensure long-term success, DepEd Lanao del Norte signed a memorandum of agreement with DOST and OPAPRU during the event, pledging full cooperation in the pilot program’s implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.