Technicians Offer Free Computer Repair for OneWebDay

PIUS UPDATES:

Written by April

Friday, 14 August 2009 20:24

An initial batch of some 20 volunteer computer technicians have committed to offer free computer repair services in support for the Sept. 22 OneWebDay global celebration of the Internet, which is being organized in the Philippines by the Philippine Internet Users’ Society

April Pagaling, Executive Director of Upd8t, which is one of the partners and advocates of PIUS, announced this recently, claiming the technicians want to contribute their share as they deeply appreciate the vision and mission of PIUS, which is to “Empower Everyone thru Computer and Internet Access.”

Pagaling said that “it is ironic that there are many technicians and graduates from computer schools who do not even have their own coputers. For them, it doesn’t matter if they will not get anything for their volunteerism, but what is important is that their efforts will contribute to the overall advocacy and campaign being pushed by PIUS.”

PIUS Chief Executive Officer Michael M. Alunan said that “PIUS is seeking the support of any potential mall or commercial establishment willing to offer their premises as venue for the FREE computer repair services.

“Better still,” he added, “that these commercial establishments encourage and mobilize all the computer and Internet shops to offer similar services in support of the advocacy.” Alunan said that by doing so, these establishments effectively convert their places into OneWebDay Zones.

OneWebday will be the first ever celebration in the Philippines, but the 4th year to be celebrated globally in other countries led by the U.S., where the New York-based non-profit organization OneWebDay Inc. is based. Close to 50 countries are expected to join this year’s celebration.

PIUS, which is host and local affiliate of OneWebDay Inc., is now gaining momentum silently owing to its strong advocacy and increasing linkages with various networks here and abroad. PIUS supports the United Nations Internet Governance Forum‘s (IGF) target of the next ONE BILLION new Internet Users and has embraced it with the PIUS slogan Empowering Everyone thru Computer-Internet Access.

And because OneWebDay is being organized like a movement, Alunan said commercial establishments, malls, schools, etc. are encouraged to join the OneWebDay celebration, similar to the support for the Earth Day Hour last April 22. Internet shops nationwide will also be encouraged to offer free tutorials to non-users, for an hour, half day or even an entire day, to support the cause and actually generate new customers.

He also called on all Internet users and all Filipinos, particularly the youth among the Poor, to email and send over their suggestions and proposals on how the PIUS-OneWebDay advocacy can be pushed concretely to the benefit of the general public.

Meanwhile, various groups and individuals are encouraged to volunteer and initiate their own OneWebDay events in other areas and regions, particularly in the big cities where Internet access is already available. They simply have to coordinate and inform PIUS office by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as well as register and post their logos and be included in our ever increasing alliance of partners and advocates. For details, they can check the website at www.piusonline.org

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