Heartfelt greetings from the Cyber University of the People - the
Polytechnic University of the Philippines!
We are very proud to be a major partner of the Land Bank of the
Philippines
and the b2bpricenow.com in the promotion of e-commerce through the b2b
training program that will involve the utilization of the PUP Information
and Communications Technology Center (PUP ICT).
We believe that under the New Economy, investments in technology can equip
our people with better tools that will make them more productive and
prosperous. Through the years, technology was considered to be a powerful
tool for human development and poverty alleviation.
The Internet reversed the technology divide and broke down the barriers of
geography. As more and more investments trickle down to developing
nations,
like the Philippines, the belief that only rich countries would achieve
access from technological innovations no longer holds.
Today, millions of Filipinos through the mobile phones were able to
communicate faster and obtain vital information in ways never before
available to them. With the training on b2b now undergoing nationwide,
including roadshows and hands-on trainings, our farmers and fisherfolks,
as well as small producers and entrepreneurs will benefit significantly in
their participation in electronic commerce activities.
Even President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who heads the Information
Technology and E-Commerce Council (ITECC) gave inportance to information and
communication technology (ICT) as the leading sector for our economic
growth and development.
With the academe, especially the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
strategically located in the various regions of the country, the promotion
of the b2b program will get the needed boost that will propel a sustained
economic development for all economically challenged sectors of our
country.
Sooner, we shall be able to witness a vegtable farmer from Benguet selling
his produce to a cooperative market in Metro Manila through the Web. The
same thing is through with a Bicol producer or a General Santos fisherman
logging in at the b2bpricenow.com to deliver products anywhere in the
Philippines.
Today, we will do b2b in the country BUT tomorrow - the WORLD!
DR. OFELIA M. CARAGUE
President, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
12 December 2001
