Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. (File photo)
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the importance of digital learning in transforming the Philippine education system during the launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” initiative held Friday in Intramuros, Manila.
The project, officially launched on April 3, is a collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and private partners iAcademy and Republic Asia. A memorandum of agreement was signed to mark their commitment.
“Pay IT Forward” aims to equip Filipino students with essential digital skills through targeted training, access to ICT tools, and satellite connectivity, particularly benefiting learners in remote areas.
“This initiative is a major step toward digitally empowering our education sector,” Pangandaman said in her keynote speech. “Digitalization is no longer just a global trend — it’s a strategic imperative.”
She highlighted how embracing digital tools helps both educators and learners develop the competencies needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world.
However, Pangandaman also acknowledged the challenges that come with digital transformation, including the digital divide and difficulties in online adaptation, especially in rural communities.
To address these, she called for a “whole-of-society” approach, stressing the importance of collaboration across sectors to ensure more efficient, impactful results that contribute to national economic growth.
“The success of our digital transformation efforts, especially in education, depends on collective action and shared responsibility,” she added.
Pangandaman assured that the Department of Budget and Management would support the initiative by allocating necessary funding.
She reiterated the Marcos administration’s strong commitment to investing in education to prepare Filipino learners for an increasingly digital world.
“By providing connectivity, enhancing teachers’ digital skills, and giving students access to learning tools, we’re not just improving education — we’re shaping globally competitive professionals,” she said.
“That’s the legacy we want to build — one that ensures education remains a priority in our national budget and development agenda,” Pangandaman concluded.