To bridge the digital divide and boost the country's global competitiveness, a think tank, on Saturday, Dec. 28, called on the private sector to play a more active role in driving the digital transformation of Philippine public schools.
“The digital transformation of our public schools is no longer an option but an urgent necessity,” said Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit.
Manhit highlighted the urgent need for improved broadband connectivity, updated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, and enhanced teacher skills.
“Modernizing our ICT infrastructure, ensuring reliable broadband connectivity, and equipping our teachers with digital skills are foundational steps to elevate our students’ learning competencies,” Manhit added, seeking support for the Department of Education's (DepEd) Adopt-a-School Program.
He explained that the Adopt-a-School Law provides an effective framework for private sector participation by offering tax incentives of up to 150 percent of the value of their contributions.
“This is an opportunity for businesses to contribute not only to the welfare of their host communities but also to the development of a digitally enabled population—a strategic imperative for global competitiveness,” Manhit noted.
Critical role of telcos
In a separate statement, CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor, lawyer Tim Abejo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the crucial role of telecommunications companies in driving the nation’s progress.
“Telcos play a crucial role in the digital transformation of the country,” Abejo explained.
He stressed that telcos provide the connectivity that drives progress, and that without robust digital infrastructure, the country’s ambitions for sustainable growth and development would falter.
He noted that digital infrastructure is central to national progress and economic resilience.
“Telcos provide connectivity, and connectivity drives progress,” Abejo said. “We must recognize that without robust digital infrastructure, our ambitions for the future cannot materialize,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of strictly enforcing the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to prevent delays in digital infrastructure projects. He pointed out that in “today’s connected and AI-driven world, digital infrastructure is the most important form of infrastructure.”
Abejo said that anyone who hinders connectivity, especially at the ground level, is anti-progress.
Local Government Units (LGUs), he said, should fall in line and stop creating permitting or local regulatory roadblocks. “Any aspect that hinders connectivity is a blight to progress,” he added.
Collaboration
Meanwhile, Manhit highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to align with government initiatives.
These include DepEd’s Digital Education 2028, the Higher Education Digital Integration of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Digital Skills Training in Technical and Vocational Education by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Manhit explained that these programs represent a unified effort to prepare Filipinos for a digitally empowered and globally competitive workforce.
Abejo also connected these efforts to the broader goals of national economic development, noting that all initiatives by President Marcos to attract foreign investments and boost sustainable growth will “remain a dream if we cannot make connectivity happen in our country.”
“This must be done now!” he added.
Manhit further emphasized the importance of readiness in achieving digital transformation.
He called for unified action among the national and local governments, the private sector, and civil society to build an education system that not only nurtures students but also develops future leaders capable of harnessing technology for innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.