Students and teachers in remote communities in Bohol are seeing improved learning and stronger classroom engagement after the rollout of a digital education program designed for geographically isolated schools.
The initiative, called the EdTech Solutions for Last Mile Schools in COVID-19 Project, is a joint program of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It aims to narrow the digital gap by providing remote schools with technology-based learning support.
Education officials recently visited Danahaw Integrated School to inspect the equipment provided under the project, including solar power facilities, tablets, digitized learning materials, and satellite internet connectivity.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, in a message delivered by DepEd Undersecretary Debbie Jean Centeno-Dijamco, said a student’s location should not limit access to quality education.
“Dito sa Danahaw Integrated School, we see how global partnerships can create real opportunities for Filipino learners. The installation of Starlink satellite equipment, provision of tablets, digitized learning materials, and blended teacher training programs are concrete steps toward narrowing the digital divide in education,” Angara said.
The project began in 2021 through a US$2-million ADB grant that supported 21 geographically isolated schools across the country during the pandemic. In 2024, the Marcos administration extended the program to further improve access to education through technology.
An ADB impact evaluation found that the program helped improve average mathematics scores through computer-assisted learning interventions. The study also showed that students posted higher overall test scores when teachers properly used the digitized modules.
Students said the technology changed how they study and complete schoolwork.
Grade 12 student Kimberly Daga-ang recalled that she once relied heavily on printed modules after classes were disrupted by the pandemic and typhoons. She said the tablet provided under the program allowed her to conduct online research, finish projects, and prepare presentations for senior high school.
Parents also reported improvements in student motivation.
Elsa Lanoy, a parent in the community, said the equipment and learning support gave children more opportunities to study and become familiar with modern learning tools.
For school personnel, the new technology has helped address long-standing barriers in remote education.
ICT Coordinator Clifford John Camosa said many students previously had no access to digital gadgets. With tablets and internet connectivity now available, he said learners are gaining basic digital skills, learning to use online tools, and becoming better prepared for college and future employment.
DepEd said the initiative shows how technology, reliable power, and internet access can help bring quality learning opportunities to students in last-mile communities.