By John Mark V. Tuazon
Computerworld Philippines
July 10, 2009

Realizing the potential of the youth as a catalyst for change, global computer peripheral manufacturer Hewlett-Packard announced on Thursday its commitment to further the green cause by partnering with a local public school in a campaign to spread environmental awareness globally.

In a program dubbed “My Backyard” in partnership with Ayala Foundation, HP—by investing in the renovation of the computer lab at CENTEX (Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education)—hopes to imbibe a “green” sense of responsibility to the students.

HP led the renovation of the school’s computer room, as well as in the provision of HP Pavillion PCs and laptops, an HP TouchSmart PC and HP LaserJet All-in-One printers. Videocams and digital cameras were also given.

“This is a cooperative effort to inspire the students to start being aware of their environment,” said Bernadette Nacario, country general manager, HP Philippines. “We are providing them with the tools so that they can become role models for other students around the country.”

The HP executive didn’t disclose if the program will be a national endeavor for the company, but quickly noted that they will soon partner with ABS-CBN Foundation to fund another laboratory makeover in Laguna.

To make the most of the technology, recipients of the upgraded laboratory were trained by HP in different multimedia endeavors—such as blogging, digital video and digital photography—to enable them to push the green revolution globally through the Internet.

“Right now these students have started blogging, and they can be viewed through the HP website,” noted Satjiv Chahil, senior vice president for marketing, Hewlett Packard. He added that as of writing, the students have also produced a video tackling environmental concerns. “We found out that children learn best when they also teach, so sharing their knowledge is actually a learning process for them,” he remarked.

The two HP officials said they would visit the school from time to time to ensure that the units are used wisely and are maintained efficiently. “This will be an ongoing partnership, because students need encouragement, more than technology, in furthering the cause,” Nacario said.

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