A new partnership aims to bridge the digital divide for some of Bulacan’s most remote public schools. The Aboitiz Foundation, in collaboration with ING Hubs Philippines, has signed a memorandum of agreement with DepEd Bulacan to launch a pilot of Project AuroraPH, bringing solar-powered internet and digital learning tools to schools in Doña Remedios Trinidad (DRT).
The signing, attended by Aboitiz Foundation president Ana Margarita Hontiveros-Malvar and ING country manager Hazel Zaide delos Santos in Makati City, marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to modernize under-resourced schools and ensure students in isolated areas can participate in digital learning.
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Empowering Last-Mile Schools
The pilot phase will initially cover four DRT schools, providing them with solar panels and connectivity devices that function independently of the power grid. This setup enables students and teachers to access online lessons, digital tools, and educational resources even in off-grid environments. Jaime Tugade, Public Schools District Supervisor and OIC Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Bulacan, highlighted the significance of the project for campuses that currently lack reliable internet access or funding for subscription services.
Beyond the pilot, the initiative aims to expand to additional last-mile schools across the province, with the broader vision of reaching some 300 geographically isolated campuses nationwide. AuroraPH has previously partnered with AboitizPower utilities such as Davao Light and Power Co., delivering solar systems, WiFi, and digital tools to improve the quality of education in remote areas.
A Shared Vision for Inclusive Education
The collaboration aligns with both organizations’ commitment to inclusive education. ING Hubs Philippines has already contributed 150 laptops and a dedicated learning space to a Taguig elementary school, enhancing digital literacy and readiness. Meanwhile, the Aboitiz Foundation has collaborated with partners such as the Okada Foundation, which provided an initial P10 million grant to benefit schools in Palawan, Zambales, and Cebu.
With Project AuroraPH, Aboitiz and ING aim to ensure that students in off-grid communities no longer miss out on online learning opportunities. By combining solar energy and digital connectivity, the program not only brings classrooms into the 21st century but also supports equal access to quality education for all Filipino children.
The pilot at DRT schools is set to expand in the coming months, offering a model that other provinces could replicate to bring connectivity and learning opportunities to the most isolated corners of the Philippines.
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