THE Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Schools Division of Cebu Province inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with telecommunications company Globe Telecom to build cell sites in 26 schools.
Ana Villaflor, Globe's industry head of enterprise group of the sector geographical of the Visayas, said the telco will pour P338 million worth of investment that will benefit 36,000 students and 1,550 teachers.
"This is the first in the Philippines—a private and public partnership where we help our students realize their dreams. We build the very foundation that benefits students, teachers, and the communities of First World Internet," she said.
Villaflor said they are planning to build state-of-the-art cell sites in 116 more schools in Cebu Province for the first phase of the program.
DepEd 7 Director Salustiano Jimenez said they will work closely with Globe in building the sites located within the selected school premises to help their staff and students with much-needed internet access.
"We are now in the digital age where internet connection is already a need, not a want," he said.
The MOA signing was held in Ecotech Center, Lahug on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
Globe will install cell sites in 26 DepEd locations, which DepEd is offering rent-free. In exchange, Globe will provide them free broadband or WiFi services.
The partnership is expected to provide surrounding communities with stronger connectivity. (JOB)