At least 40 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) students and seven teachers from the newly-organized KNFOSSociety joined the first OpenHubs Conference held at the Isla Parilla Resort, Alabel, Sarangani Province last November 27-29.
The OpenHUBS Project is a response to the call for capacity building through Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) training and support involving state universities and colleges in the country.
It also aims to “encourage SUCs to establish a viable FOSS ecosystem with small and medium enterprises, non-government organizations, and government organizations to sustain and strengthen linkages and reach out to the community that it is mandated to serve.”
UNDP-International Open Source Network ASEAN+3 earlier forged a partnership with the Mindanao State University (MSU) for the development of Southeast Asia’s first OpenHUB or accessible FOSS resource center. The project will also help establish the university as the primary resource center for Foss in Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao.
Dr. Francisco Sarmiento III, Project Officer of UNDP-IOSN, invited the newly-formed KNFOSSociety through the society’s adviser, Mrs. Latreia Estabillo, to support the OpenHubs Project.
Three Vocational Teachers, Ms. Estabillo, Ms. Matilde Azumbrado and Mr. Wenceslao Gallato, were invited as live-in participants.
Mr. Carlo Melendres accompanied 20 KNFOSSociety student members on the first day. Ten students in the second day were accompanied by Ms. Hazel Borcillo and Ms. Luzviminda Sombilla and on the last day, Mr. Joel Moso with Ms. Borcillo accompanied also ten students.
During the conference, the KNFOSSociety members gave a FOSS presentation, presented KNCHS and KNFOSSociety in one of the sessions and put up an exhibit showcasing students’ outputs in using FOSS applications.
The members also had a chance to meet lead organizers and supporters of the Openhubs Project. They got acquainted with Senior Project Manager Balthas Seibold of Germany’s InWent Capacity Building International, Dr. Alvin Marcelo, Director of UP Manila National Telehealth Center and Senior Manager of UNDP-IOSN ASEAN+3 and Dr. Francisco Sarmiento III.
Dr. Alvin Marcelo announced during the conference that UNDP-IOSN will provide various support to KNFOSSociety to help fund its FOSS-related activities.
Marcelo said they are also planning to replicate the experience of KNFOSSociety, which is so far the first secondary public school FOSS group in the country, to other areas.
Balthas Seibold, InWent senior project manger, said he was greatly impressed with the creation of the KNFOSSociety.
“This is our dream – the seeds of FOSS that we wanted to grow. I hope this one will develop more and expand further into one great organization,” he said.
There were 60 participants from SME, NGO, academe and government institutions within region 12 who attended the conference. The Openhubs Project is supported by UNDP-IOSN Asean+3, Inwent Capacity Building International, Germany and Socsksargen Open Source Society.
The KNFOSSociety in partnership with the Socksargen Open Source Society will be organizing the first High School FOSS Camp in the country by January 2008. The camp is open for high school students in the Socsksargen area.
On behalf of IOSN ASEAN+3, I warmly extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the members and officers of the KNCHS FOSSociety for all the efforts and inspiration that you have given us and the participants of the 1st OpenHUBS.
Please sustain the passion and continue to share and cooperate among your classmates and friends. Spread the spirit of F/OSS yet always emphasize Freedom of Choice in software use. We are here to enhance each other’s computing experience thru F/OSS.
2007 was indeed a year of challenges and exciting discoveries. There were ups and downs yet we remain steadfast in our collective efforts to bring out the best in everybody for the benefit of the common good. Experiences and events have opened our hearts and minds to the realities of life – whether it may be in the field of technology or
simply within the very confines of our own homes. We have met many people in our everyday lives and travels – coming from diverse cultures and religions, from various sectors of society, young and old – yet we come to realize that we are all united with a common goal: to be at PEACE within ourselves and to each other and to maintain RESPECT and to work hand-in-hand in the attainment of our goals, for the sole purpose of uplifting the quality of lives and sense of well-being of our families and those people around us.
On this note, the International Open Source Network (IOSN) ASEAN+3 wishes to extend its most humble gratitude for giving us all the great
opportunities to share and cooperate with all of you in pursuing our endeavors. Your passion of further narrowing the digital divide among our brothers and sisters have begun to shine as a bright beacon for others to get inspiration from. Continue to make this shine brighter and stronger. Let us light as many torches of knowledge as possible through selfless sharing and cooperation.
And now, 2008 ushers a new start (or a continuity) for all of us. Let us continue to pursue the sensible and responsible things that we do and learn from it. Let us share it. There will be brand new challenges but we must remain strong and patient to face them. The wheel turns, so to speak. yet there will always be a room for
improvement. And yes, I would say it is the biggest room in the world. There are also many doors and each one of you holds the key to open it.
Melodramatic as it seems, that F/OSS is the Software of Love and the Heart as the main headquarters of F/OSS will always be a fitting
reminder for all of us.
As we begin 2008, the International Open Source Network ASEAN+3 will remain with its advocacy on Free/Open Source Software with high hopes of reaching out further to you all. See you soon.
Let us continue to Connect, Reconnect and Interconnect with F/OSS! A Peaceful and Abundant New Year!
All the Best with F/OSS,
Dr. Francis