The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday commended the private sector for donating computer tablets and Starlink internet kits to public schools in remote areas of Cebu, bringing digital learning tools to underserved learners.
The donations were made through “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy,” a joint initiative between DepEd, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), iACADEMY, and Republic Asia.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara praised the effort, calling it a vital step toward bridging the digital divide. He said that their partners are not just helping implement projects but are also helping solve deeply rooted challenges. Through this initiative, he added, the government is reaching the most remote communities and giving them the same digital tools available in urban centers.
A total of 100 tablets and 3 Starlink satellite internet kits were distributed to eight public high schools across the province: Eduardo T. Oporto Memorial National High School in Bogo City, Kalagyawon National High School in Carcar City, Cabagdalan National High School in Balamban, Gilloctog National High School in Barili, Alpaco National High School in Naga City, Nicolas Tiongco Memorial National High School in Danao City, Nemesio Epifania Taneo Memorial National High School in Lapu-Lapu City, and Gen. Climaco Memorial National High School in Toledo City.
Angara emphasized the transformative impact of providing digital tools to learners. According to him, a digital tool in the hands of a learner is a doorway to the future. It is access, it is equity, and it is empowerment.
The Pay IT Forward program will also be rolled out in Marawi, continuing its mission to provide inclusive digital access nationwide in line with the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.