Converge ICT Solutions has provided a year of free satellite Internet access to an Aeta school in Zambales and delivered tablets and school supplies to two remote schools in Nueva Vizcaya.
The Asian Development Bank Spouses’ Association (ADBSA) Aeta Integrated School in Zambales received a Starlink Mini satellite unit with a monthly data allocation of 50GB for one year. The school serves more than 300 elementary and secondary students.
Converge installed the equipment with assistance from its managed service provider partner in the province, Probus Ventures Inc. (PVI).
School head Romualdo Montefalcon Cañeda said that without the integrated school, students would have to walk five kilometers along unpaved roads to reach the nearest school, with no public transportation available.
“You have seen what we pass through, if you can even call those roads. It’s a massive challenge for both teachers and students but it is a sacrifice we all willingly make. We thank Converge for this connectivity support because it will not only give the teachers better access to teaching materials but also learning opportunities for the students,” said Cañeda.
PVI general manager Dennis Aquino said the company also plans to help renovate and repaint classrooms at the school next school year.
“Isa sa mga tasks na binigay sa amin ng CEO na sir Dennis Anthony Uy is to penetrate all communities in our assigned MSP areas. That’s very important because he stressed that all underserved communities must be given access. Next school year, we are volunteering the renovating and repainting of classrooms with ADBSA Aeta Integrated School,” Aquino said.
In Nueva Vizcaya, Converge partnered with motorcycle enthusiasts’ group RAMTAT Ph to deliver tablets, school supplies, and snacks to Ansipsip Elementary School and Domolpos Elementary School.
The 11-rider team traveled about an hour and a half from Kayapa Municipal Hall to Ansipsip, then another hour to Domolpos, navigating mountain roads and trails.
Barangay Ansipsip community chief Angel Caruncon said difficult terrain and long commutes force many students to stay in the school dormitory for months at a time.
“These kids learn to live independently early. They come home to their families once a month, sometimes even longer,” said Caruncon. “This is the sacrifice they make to receive education,” he added.
Converge also provided financial assistance to San Isidro National High School in Samar to repair classroom ceilings damaged over the years by typhoons.
“We always say that we will leave no one behind and we mean it regardless of geography, race, or circumstances,” said Juliana Encarnado, Converge vice president and head of corporate communications and public relations.
“We believe that using technology for good is the way for us to make an impact and inspire these children, at the same time, to show them how exciting their future can be,” she added.
