Marawi schools get access to digital learning

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BRAN Reluao, the founder of RepublicAsia, signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Information and Communications Technology, iAcademy, GMA Kapuso Foundation and Sparkle GMA Artist Center on Friday to bring the Pay IT Forward initiative to Marawi City.

The initiative aims to bring digital tools and internet access to students in faraway areas through the project "Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy."

The program gives gadgets, internet devices and training to schools in Marawi City.

"Why Marawi? Because digital access remains a real challenge in the area," Reluao said. "Marawi, a city still rebuilding from conflict, deserves more than just infrastructure — it deserves empowerment. And for that, we bring tools, training, and most importantly, hope."

The first leg of the project was held in Cebu earlier this month, where students from eight far-flung schools received free tablets and Starlink internet.

"Digital transformation should not be a privilege but a right accessible to all. By providing tools and training to underserved schools, we are creating a foundation for a digitally empowered future," he said.

"Our mission has always been to make digital learning more accessible for all. We believe that true transformation happens when public and private sectors come together with a common goal."

Reluao also thanked DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who hails from Mindanao, for her strong support to the project.

"I know that Marawi means a lot to you, more than anyone else in this room," he said.

Pangandaman, on the other hand, recognized the partnership as a privilege to invest in education for the future of our nation's children.

"It is my great honor and privilege to join all of you today and take part in the launch of Pay IT Forward, a digital transformation advocacy. This initiative represents a significant step toward advancing our education system through digital empowerment," Pangandaman said.

"I really thought that, you know, we really need to keep doing something, investing on education and our children to ensure that we have a future. That's the best legacy that we can leave behind."

Senior vice president of GMA Network Anneth Gozon-Valdez, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude for considering GMA Kapuso Foundation schools in Marawi as recipients of the project.

"I would like to laud the efforts of Republic Asia, iAcademy and the DBM for this very noble endeavor of Pay IT Forward. Truly, to use modern technology to further education is something that everyone should aspire for," she said.

"And secondly, I'd like to thank you for considering the four Marawi schools that GMA Kapuso Foundation built as recipients for your endeavors. So we're very excited to be able to provide them the tools that they need to further their education."

For her part, iAcademy president and chief operating officer Raquel Perez Wong stressed the power of collaboration.

"This shows the power of collaboration. When government and private partners work hand in hand with genuine commitment, meaningful change becomes possible," she said.

"At iAcademy, we always believed in the powerful merge of education and technology. In today's rapidly evolving world, access to technology is no longer a privilege — it is a necessity."