Bridging the Gap: 100 Students, One Transformative Gift

WITH ITS natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and quickly rising economy, Cebu, also known as the “Queen City of the South,” is a true symbol of progress and pride in the Visayas area. 

From the white sand beaches of Bantayan and Malapascua to the verdant hills of Balamban and the historical attractions of Cebu City, the island has much to offer that both locals and tourists enjoy.

Cebu’s appeal stems not only from its physical beauty, but also from its people, who are noted for their hospitality, tenacity, and strong sense of community. 

The province is also a center of education, trade, and innovation. Cebu City has premier colleges, thriving tech centers, and numerous career possibilities, attracting students and professionals from all over the country. 

However, underlying this vision of beauty and growth, there is a silent struggle that the younger generation is facing—especially in Cebu’s more remote and mountainous areas—for their access to technology.

A Growing Pain

Students in these less developed barangays and sitios, like those in other distant locations, frequently face major barriers to accessing quality education due to a lack of technology. 

While urban cities in Cebu have reliable internet connections, quality facilities, and cutting-edge technological tools to enhance studying, many students in remote locations are still struggling with the basics. 

If we remember correctly, the COVID-19 Pandemic showed this discrepancy more than ever. The educational system quickly shifted toward online and modular learning, leaving pupils in remote places behind.

Without reliable internet, gadgets, or even energy in some circumstances, these young learners struggled, if not failed, to keep up with the demands of academic life. 

Teachers in these places, driven by passion and dedication, had to travel the extra mile just to deliver modules or teach in makeshift classrooms, but their efforts can only go so far without the assistance of modern technology.

Living Proof

During the “Pay It Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” event in Cebu on April 11, republicasia got the opportunity to speak briefly with a few students who described the issues they face on a daily basis. 

Photo Courtesy: RepublicAsia Media 

Cherrilyn Fat, a student of Giloctog National High School in Barili, southern Cebu province, was the first to share her experience. As described by the Grade 11 student, the school is located in a secluded place.

“I have been studying in Giloctog National High School for my entire high school life. And our school is located somewhere you can actually call a remote area,” Fat said during the interview.

“It’s very hard for us to access the internet or to get a signal, and it’s very frustrating especially when there’s a chance that we’re given tasks that involve computers or surfing the internet. It’s very hard for us to be able to have access to that,” she went on to share.

Photo Courtesy: RepublicAsia Media

Just like her, Wellah Hatamosa, a Grade 12 student at Cabagdalan National High School, stated that the lack of internet has been the most difficult obstacle for her and her classmates.

“I can say that the internet is the main problem, because I study in the mountainous area. And we’re really struggling with the internet connection there,” Hatamosa shared after the event.

Given that republicasia has already distributed the 100 tablets to eight different DepEd schools, these students can gradually alter their learning styles with the use of these technologies.

Boundless Education

Ahnixa Paquibot, a Grade 9 student at Nemesio Epifania Taneo Memorial High School, believes that having these tablets with them will make learning easier for her and her classmates.

“Sobrang hirap para sa aming mga estudyante na walang gadgets, lalo na ngayong mas preferred na ‘yong technology. May ibang mga teacher na nagdidiscuss at nagpapagawa ng mga activities through technology,“ Paquibot said.

Photo Courtesy: RepublicAsia Media

“So, mas mapapadali ang aking pag-aaral, mas madali akong matututo dahil sa gadget na ito, dahil sa pamamagitan ng teknolohiya, napapadali ang lahat. Magiging mas magaan at madali ang lahat.”

“Lalo na para sa akin na isang estudyanteng naghahangad na makapagtapos at madagdagan ang aking matututunan, at para na rin sa ibang mga estudyanteng walang gadgets—ito’y isang malaking tulong,” she added.

Daghang Salamat!

After all, the three students were humbled by the opportunity to receive these vital presents from the event. A gift that would not only help them with their education, but may also serve as a springboard to a boundless future.

“There is only one thing I can say, and that is thank you very much. We’re very greatful, because as a school that is very apart from the modern world, this is very helpful as a tool for us to connect to the digital world,” Fat said. 

Meanwhile, for Paquibot, “Maraming salamat, RepublicAsia at iAcademy. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, wala kaming matatanggap na libreng gadget. Dahil sa mga gadget na inyong ibinahagi, mas mapapadali ang aming pag-aaral.” 

“Ito rin ay magsisilbing inspirasyon at motibasyon para samin na mas pagbutihin ang aming pag-aaral at patuloy na abutin ang aming mga pangarap. Maraming salamat!” she added.

Cebu, with all of its beauty and promise, has the ability to lead not only in tourism and business, but also in inclusive and innovative education, as the first Pay It Forward awardees. 

By acknowledging students’ challenges in rural areas and committing to bridge the technology gap, we are investing not just in the youth, but also in the province’s future. A future in which Cebu’s beauty will shine even brighter than before.