RepublicAsia partners with GMA, iAcademy, DBM to bring school gadgets to Marawi

RepublicAsia has partnered with various government and private industry leaders for a mission to empower the youth through transformative education, by providing the tools they need. The media company signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), ¡ACADEMY , GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center on Friday at the RepublicAsia office in Intramuros, Manila. Present were RepublicAsia Founder and Gen Z Chief Executive Officer Bran Reluao; iAcademy President and Chief Operating Officer Raquel Perez-Wong; GMA Network Senior Vice President, Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group, President of GMA Films Atty.

Annette Gozon-Valdes; Sparkle GMA Artist Center First Vice President Joy Marcelo; DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman; and Sparkle star and newest Pay IT Forward Ambassador Sofia Pablo . The partnership will bring the Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy program to Marawi City.



According to Reluao, Marawi was chosen for the second wave “because digital access remains a challenge.” He added, “Marawi is a city that continues to rise from the ashes of conflicts. And while rebuilding infrastructure is crucial, building dreams is just [as] important.

That’s why we’re here bringing tools, training, and most importantly, hope.” The Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy gives gadgets, internet devices, and training to schools that need help the most. The first leg of the project was held in Cebu in early April, where eight far-flung schools received 100 tablets free of charge and three Starlink internet connection devices.

According to Perez-Wong, the partnership goes beyond simply distributing gadgets, but creating futures. “Today stands as a testament or collected commitment to purpose and progress. It's about doing something greater than ourselves.

We are here to make meaningful action that builds a future no learner is left behind,” she said. “In today’s rapidly evolving world, access to technology is no longer a privilege. It is a necessity.

That's why Pay IT Forward advocacy is so close to our hearts,” Perez-Wong added. “It may not solve the digital divide entirely, but our hope is that our small steps will later turn to bigger resolve and greater hope for others, so each and every one of us will have our fair chance to shine in this digital world.” Gozon-Valdes said that four Marawi schools that the GMA Kapuso Foundation built are among the recipients of tablets, internet connection devices, and school supplies.

The network also promises to use its television, online, and social media platforms, among others, to give the project a wider reach. Sofia , who is balancing her student life with being an actress, said this is an important advocacy for her as she also focuses on her studies. “I really want other students to experience it as well, ‘yung proper education,” Sofia answered GMA News Online during the program’s press conference.

“I want everyone to experience the best education kasi nakasalalay din dito ‘yung future ng Philippines.” This event follows Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s partnership with RepublicAsia and iAcademy in early April. Part of the partnership includes giving workshops and scholarships to Sparkle artists and Status by Sparkle content creators .

— LA, GMA Integrated News.