By Prof. Ana Mae Bantad-Cantel

Prof. Ana Mae Bantad-Cantel (2nd from left) alongside with other delegates from the Philippines.

Central Philippine University’s College of Computer Studies faculty member, Prof. Ana Mae Cantel, received a Merit Award for the Community Outreach Program at the prestigious eLearning Forum Asia 2024 (eLFA2024).  The award was presented by Hong Kong Baptist University, which hosted the forum on December 4-5, 2024.  Professor Cantel’s award recognized her work with the #Digitalino: Library and Information Science Digital Literacy Program.

In July 2024, eLFA2024 issued a call for papers on educational technology and innovation, exemplary teaching and learning, and community outreach programs.  From over 100 submissions representing 15 countries, only about half were selected for review.  Of these, only six outreach programs—including those from Central Philippine University and De La Salle University, Manila—received the Community Outreach Award.

The eLearning Forum Asia (eLFA) Awards celebrate outstanding eLearning practices across participating countries and regions. For over 20 years, eLFA has advanced the intersection of education and technology, providing a platform for sharing insights, challenges, and achievements. The Community Outreach Award specifically recognizes organizations and individuals using technology to uplift disadvantaged communities and support accessible, high-quality education.

“This recognition exemplifies Central Philippine University’s core values of truth, faith, integrity, service, and inclusivity,” said Professor Cantel. “Our #Digitalino program empowers marginalized communities through digital literacy, demonstrating our commitment to social transformation.  I thank our partners: the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. Western Visayas Region Librarians Council (PLAI-WVRLC) and the Iloilo City Public Library. We hope that one day, every Filipino will live with integrity, united in the pursuit of truth and honor.  My heartfelt gratitude goes to the CPU administrators for their belief in and support of our advocacy, and for allowing me to attend the conference. It is a blessing that our efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation have garnered international recognition. To God be the glory.”

The United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia supports eLearning Forum Asia (eLFA) annually.