The Project DigiTulay: A Literacy Program of Philippine Christian University to Bridge the Digital Gap in Barangay 694, Metro Manila

  • Rachel Jantar Vergara College of Informatics, Philippine Christian University – Taft, Manila, Philippines
  • Rhayz Steven Kyle Panganiban Bautista College of Informatics, Philippine Christian University – Taft, Manila, Philippines
Keywords: digital literacy, community development, computer skills, internet navigation, cybersecurity, training program, empowerment

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Project DigiTulay, a digital literacy program by the Philippine Christian University designed to bridge the digital gap in Barangay 694, Metro Manila, where access to technology remains limited. Forty-five participants, comprising Barangay Officials, Parents, and Youth, completed training in basic computer skills, internet navigation, and cybersecurity. Using a pretest-posttest design, the program demonstrated significant improvements in digital literacy scores across all groups (p < 0.05), with Youth showing the most substantial gains. These findings suggest that community-based digital literacy initiatives can effectively enhance digital competencies and reduce barriers to technology use, supporting greater inclusion and empowerment in underserved areas.

Author Biographies

Rachel Jantar Vergara, College of Informatics, Philippine Christian University – Taft, Manila, Philippines

Rachel Vergara is a Professor and College Research Coordinator at Philippine Christian University, Manila, specializing in Information Technology education and community-based digital literacy programs. She holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology from City of Malabon University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Information Technology at La Consolacion University Philippines. Her research interests include digital literacy, community development, and technology integration in education. She has contributed to projects aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities through technology.

Rhayz Steven Kyle Panganiban Bautista, College of Informatics, Philippine Christian University – Taft, Manila, Philippines

Rhayz Steven Kyle P. Bautista is a Professor at Philippine Christian University, Manila, with experience teaching programming, data structures, and UI/UX design. He earned his Master’s degree in Information Technology from Philippine Christian University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Information Technology at La Consolacion University Philippines. His expertise includes cybersecurity, cloud services, programming languages, and digital learning technologies. He has presented research at academic conferences and is actively involved in professional IT educator organizations in the Philippines.

Published
2026-03-08
How to Cite
Vergara, R., & Bautista, R. S. K. (2026, March 8). The Project DigiTulay: A Literacy Program of Philippine Christian University to Bridge the Digital Gap in Barangay 694, Metro Manila. Puissant, 7, 3175-3188. Retrieved from //puissant.stepacademic.net/puissant/article/view/775
Issue
Vol 7 (2026): Volume 7
Section
Articles