The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the recent donation of 100 tablets and three satellite internet devices to eight public high schools in Cebu, reinforcing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of stronger government-private sector collaboration in education.
Made under the Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy initiative—led by iACADEMY and Republic Asia in partnership with DepEd and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)—the donation aims to improve digital access for students in geographically isolated and underserved areas.
“A digital tool in the hands of a learner is a doorway to the future. It is access, it is equity, it is empowerment. In Bagong Pilipinas, we are not just catching up with the world, we are preparing every Filipino child to lead in it,” Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Representing Angara, Assistant Secretary for ICT Mars Veloso III joined the turnover ceremony alongside DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, RepublicAsia CEO Bran Reluao, iACADEMY President Raquel Perez-Wong, and Mitch Andaya, Vice President for Academic Affairs of iACADEMY Cebu.
“Our goal is to make sure no Filipino learner gets left behind in the digital age. Through efforts like this, we’re moving closer to that reality.”
“Our goal is to make sure no Filipino learner gets left behind in the digital age. Through efforts like this, we’re moving closer to that reality,” DICT Secretary Aguda said.
The remote schools that received the tablets and Starlink internet kits include 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 the City of Naga, 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.
With each school now equipped with devices and high-speed satellite connectivity, DepEd noted that the donations will directly benefit hundreds of learners and teachers who previously had limited or no access to digital resources.
“The Pay IT Forward initiative will also provide digital tools to schools in Marawi.”
According to iACADEMY, the Pay IT Forward initiative will also provide digital tools to schools in Marawi.
The initiative also includes 10 hours of free digital skills training for educators, further empowering them to navigate technology-integrated learning environments.
“Our partners are not just helping us implement projects—they’re helping us solve deeply rooted challenges. Through this effort, we are reaching the most remote communities and giving them the same digital tools available in urban centers,” Angara concluded.
