Pay IT Forward initiative turned over 100 tablets and three Starlinks satellite internet units to underserved schools in remote areas of Cebu.
Photo courtesy: Republicasia Media
CEBU CITY, April 11, 2025 — Republicasia and iACADEMY have once again joined forces for Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy. In collaboration with the Department of Education and Department of Information and Communications Technology, the initiative aims to bridge the digital gap in remote areas in Cebu where internet access is limited or nearly nonexistent.
As education evolves in the digital era, access to technology has become essential. Digital tools not only enhance learning but also open doors to opportunities in education, employment, and innovation. Yet, for many communities in remote areas, these opportunities remain out of reach. That’s where Republicasia and iACADEMY step in — to help pave the way for inclusive digital learning.
Empowering underserved schools
On April 3, 2025, Republicasia and iACADEMY officially sealed their partnership through the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the initiative. The Republicasia team traveled to Cebu to witness the key milestone: eight DepEd schools receiving 100 tablets and three Starlink satellite internet units. Ahead of the turnover, iACADEMY and COO Raquel Perez-Wong and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda held the ceremonial signing to formalize their collaboration for the launch of iACADEMY’s short course, Mastering Content Creation and Social Media Production — another significant step forward in advancing digital transformation. Dean Mitch Andaya iACADEMY Cebu’s Vice President for Academics shared with everyone Prime Pro, and iACADEMY initiative, which provides a series of workshops to advancing technology and innovation. Republicasia Founder and CEO Bran Reluao shared what Republicasia envisions for the initiative and how this is only the first step to a larger scale into the digital age.
Also in attendance is the Department of Education Asec. Mars Veloso on behalf of Sec. Sonny Angara. They identified the schools who will be the first beneficiaries of the initiative: Eduardo T. Oporto Memorial National High School in Bogo City, Kalagyawon National High School in Carcar City. Schools in Cebu Province: Cabagdalan National Highschool in Balamban, Gilloctog National Highschool in Barili. Alpaca National High School from the City of Naga, Nicolas Tiongco MNHS in Danao, Nemesio Epifania Taneo MNHS in Lapu-lapu, and Gen Climaco MNHS in Toledo. Each school was honored as their principals and student representatives took their seats at iACADEMY.
Photo courtesy: Republicasia Media
Unlocking opportunities
We spoke with several beneficiaries, who shared their insights on the initiative and how they plan to further improve their learning. School Head Nolieto Tisoy of Nemesio Epifania Taneo Memorial High School is the recipient of one Starlink and five tablets. He was so grateful for their school to be chosen for the Starlink, especially, as their school is situated on a separate island from the big city; the Olango Island. They do have an internet modem before but it would always be disrupted. They tried to seek internet support but still found it very difficult.
Long before learning they would become beneficiaries, Nolieto Tisoy had already heard about Starlink and envisioned its potential impact on his school. With that dream now fulfilled through this initiative, the excitement and gratitude he and his students felt during the turnover were beyond words.
This is just the first step and marks the beginning of a larger effort to bridge the digital divide. As we continue to work together, we can ensure that every student, no matter their location, has the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
