In a landmark move to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive education, the war-torn city of Marawi is poised to become the next beneficiary of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” — a joint effort by public and private institutions to empower students through technology.

Spearheaded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), RepublicAsia, iACADEMY, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the initiative aims to provide digital tools and reliable internet access to underserved schools across the country.

The expansion to Marawi City was officially sealed on April 23 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) by DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, RepublicAsia Founder Bran F. Reluao, and GMA Network SVP Atty. Anneth Gozon-Valdez.

Empowering a city rebuilding from conflict

“Why Marawi?” asked Reluao. “Because digital access remains a real challenge in the area.”

He emphasized that while rebuilding infrastructure is essential, empowering the youth with access to modern education tools is equally critical.

"Marawi, a city still rebuilding from conflict, deserves more than just infrastructure — it deserves empowerment. And for that, we bring tools, training, and most importantly, hope,” Reluao said.

The project builds on a successful first phase in Cebu, where eight remote schools received tablets and satellite internet via Starlink. The second phase marks a crucial milestone by targeting communities still healing from conflict and displacement.

Digital tools as a right, not a privilege

"Digital transformation should not be a privilege but a right accessible to all," Reluao declared. His words echo the growing consensus in education circles: digital literacy and connectivity are no longer optional in the 21st-century learning landscape — they are foundational.

Through the initiative, students in Marawi will gain access to essential digital devices and online learning resources, giving them a chance to engage in modern education despite their geographical and historical challenges.

Public-private partnerships for education

DBM Secretary Pangandaman hailed the partnership as a meaningful investment in the country’s future.

“This initiative represents a significant step toward advancing our education system through digital empowerment,” she said.

Pangandaman, a long-time advocate of inclusive development, reiterated the importance of sustained investment in education: “We really need to keep doing something, investing in education and our children to ensure na may future po tayo. That’s the best legacy we can leave behind.”

Meanwhile, Gozon-Valdez thanked the partners for selecting the four schools built by the GMA Kapuso Foundation in Marawi as recipients of the project. “Truly, to use modern technology to further education is something that everyone should aspire for,” she added.

A vision for a digitally inclusive future

As the initiative sets its sights on more marginalized communities, its message remains clear: that no student should be left behind due to geography or circumstance.

With technology as a bridge, Pay IT Forward is not just a project — it is a promise to deliver education where it’s needed most.