Universidad de Zamboanga Explores Best Practices at CCS-IT Department
đź“… July 22, 2023
Universidad de Zamboanga Explores Best Practices at CCS-IT Department
đź“… July 22, 2023
A comprehensive three-day hybrid training on Web Accessibility Auditing was held from July 19 to 21, 2023, bringing together faculty members and Local Government Unit (LGU) representatives of Misamis Occidental to deepen their understanding of inclusive digital practices. Organized by DICT10 through its ILCDB team and the Misamis Occidental Provincial Office, in partnership with Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Governor Alfonso D. Tan College (GADTC), the event took place at the GADTC campus in Tangub City and integrated both face-to-face and virtual learning via Google Meet.
The initiative aimed to equip participants with the technical competencies and evaluative skills needed to assess and enhance the accessibility of government and institutional websites. As public services increasingly shift to online platforms, the training emphasized the pressing need to ensure that digital content remains usable to all individuals—including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and other sectors with diverse accessibility needs.
The workshop was facilitated by resource speaker Asst. Prof. Paul B. Bokingkito Jr., a respected faculty member of MSU-IIT whose expertise in accessibility auditing and digital inclusion provided participants with a strong foundation in industry standards and best practices. He led the participants through in-depth discussions on accessibility guidelines, common website barriers, and tools used in auditing web content. His sessions highlighted how accessible design is not merely a technical requirement but a responsibility that supports equitable access to information and services.
Participants engaged in a rich blend of collaborative activities, hands-on exercises, and real-time audits of selected websites. These activities allowed them to apply theoretical concepts to actual cases, identifying accessibility issues and proposing practical improvements. The interactive nature of the workshop enabled participants to exchange experiences, challenges, and strategies that could be implemented within their LGUs and academic institutions.
Beyond technical skills, the training nurtured a broader appreciation for digital inclusivity as a cornerstone of good governance and quality education. Participants noted how accessible web design can help break down barriers for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments—ultimately creating digital spaces that are welcoming, empowering, and aligned with the principles of universal access.
As the training concluded, attendees expressed enthusiasm and commitment to integrate accessibility audits into their respective digital transformation initiatives. Many participants shared that the workshop broadened their perspective on inclusive digital environments and strengthened their resolve to champion accessibility within their workplace policies, institutional websites, and community programs.
The strong collaboration among DICT10, MSU-IIT, and GADTC underscores a unified commitment to fostering digital equity across Northern Mindanao. By empowering educators and LGU representatives with essential accessibility auditing skills, this partnership contributes significantly to building a more responsive, inclusive, and future-ready digital ecosystem for Misamis Occidental and the entire region.