The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday lauded the private sector for donating computer tablets and Starlink internet devices to select remote schools in Cebu.

This came after the DepEd partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), iACADEMY, and Republic Asia under the Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy initiative.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative makes digital tools accessible to learners in underserved areas.

“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,” he said in a statement.

One-hundred tablets and three satellite internet kits were distributed to eight public high schools -- 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.

“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 (the New Philippines), we are not just catching up with the world, we are preparing every Filipino child to lead in it,” Angara said.

Besides schools in Cebu, the Pay IT Forward initiative will also be conducted in Marawi.

PNA PHOTO