16 2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines who are in need.54 55 56 57 58 59 In doing so, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded all LGUs to comply with the standards and technical specs prescribed by DepEd to ensure the quality of the items.60 24 On the other hand, the DepEd commends the LGUs for the distribution of these gadgets for distance learning. Secretary Leonor Briones said that together with the LGUs and the national government, the public will see them work together for the continuance of education. She said that the computerization program is ‘our future’ and that transmission of education is dependent on the use of technology because this is the call of the times.61 25 The use of digital technologies in the Philippines, however, is still below its potential, with the country’s digital adoption generally trailing behind many regional neighbors. The ‘digital divide’ between those with and without the internet leads to unequal access to social services and life-changing economic opportunities. According to Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand “Internet connectivity is limited in rural areas, and where they are available, services are relatively expensive and of weak quality. Upgrading digital infrastructure all over the country will introduce fundamental changes that can improve social service delivery, enhance resilience against shocks, and create more economic opportunities for all Filipinos.”62 54 See https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/06/paranaque-lgu-gives-out-16000-tablets-to-kinder-grade-1-students-1500-laptopsto-teachers/. 55 See https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/01/san-juan-lgu-turns-over-learning-package-for-public-school-students/. 56 See https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/07/09/news/regions/lgu-to-provide-55000-tablets/739545/. 57 See https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/753363/qc-to-distribute-176k-tablets-to-public-high-schoolstudents/story/. 58 See https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1333455/pasig-public-school-students-teachers-to-get-tablets-laptops-by-october. 59 See https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/19/news/national/manila-students-get-free-laptops-tablets/757480/. 60 DILG, LGUs planning to donate gadgets to schools should comply with DepEd technical specs, 18 June 2020. 61 Department of Education (2020, August 26). DepEd commends Manila in laptop, gadget distribution for distance learning. Retrieved from Press Releases: https://www.deped.gov.ph/2020/08/28/deped-commends-manila-in-laptopgadget-distribution-for-distance-learning/. 62 The World Bank. (2020, October 5). Harnessing Digital Technologies Can Help Philippines Overcome Impact of Pandemic, Hasten Recovery. Retrieved from Press Releases: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/pressrelease/2020/10/05/harnessing-digital-technologies-can-help-philippines-overcome-impact-of-pandemic-hastenrecovery