Pay IT Forward: Gen Z’s tech advocate connects Cebu schools
Cebu City — In an effort to combat digital inequality in education, Gen Z digital advocate and Republic Asia CEO Bran Reluao led the distribution of internet connectivity and learning tablets to eight remote schools in Cebu as part of the “Pay IT Forward” program.
Reluao, a strong voice for AI and digital inclusion, said that closing the technology gap is central to educational equity.
“Education is the great equalizer,” he said.
“As a digital inclusivity advocate, I personally believe that technology can be a powerful equalizer, too — if we give every learner a fair chance at success. One learner, one school at a time.”
The project is spearheaded in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and iACADEMY.
The collaboration aims to improve digital access for students in geographically isolated and underserved areas.
“When we build more partnerships with the government and private sectors, we open the door to even bigger opportunities – and that’s what I’m truly excited about,” Reluao said.
The schools that benefited from the rollout include Eduardo T. Oporto MNHS in Bogo City, Kalagyawon NHS in Carcar City, Cabagdalan NHS in Balamban, Gilloctog NHS in Barili, Alpaco NHS in the City of Naga, Nicolas Tiongco MNHS in Danao City, Nemesio Epifania Taneo MNHS in Lapu-Lapu City, and Gen. Climaco MNHS in Toledo City. These schools received tablets and Starlink satellite internet kits to support online learning.
Pay IT Forward focuses on bringing digital tools to areas where internet access is extremely limited or nonexistent, a reality that continues to hinder the learning experiences of students in rural communities.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda acknowledged the impact of such public-private collaborations in transforming education delivery.
iACADEMY, a key partner in the initiative, was also recognized for its commitment to education innovation.
“Pay IT Forward is an advocacy that allows us to share our tech and digital privilege,” said iACADEMY President Raquel Perez-Wong.
“While our effort doesn’t solve the challenge entirely, 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,” she added.
Assistant Secretary Mars Veloso of DepEd acknowledged that reaching all schools remains a massive undertaking.
“We are serving forty thousand school locations – about fifty-four thousand schools if you include integrated schools, high schools, and senior high schools,” he said, describing the scale of the task and the opportunity to make a difference through initiatives like this.
Reluao said the next leg of the Pay IT Forward initiative will be in Marawi.