Converge, Bataan LGU launch FREE fiber broadband for education in the province

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. in partnership with the local government of Bataan has launched a connectivity program that aims to connect 500 homes in the province via fiber broadband to access educational resources and materials at no cost to beneficiaries.

Converge CEO Dennis Uy led the launch of Fiber to the Home, Libreng Internet Para sa Edukasyon program | Image/ Converge

Converge free fiber broadband for education

Called the “Fiber to the Home, Libreng Internet Para sa Edukasyon,” the program serves as Converge’s tribute to Bataan being one of its first expansion areas outside Pampanga.

Bataan Governor Joet Garcia and Converge CEO Dennis Uy have spearheaded the program ceremony at Pagalanggang National High School, Dinalupihan, Bataan, where 50 of its scholars will be the first beneficiaries in the program’s pilot implementation.

“Hindi po natin mabubuo ang Fiber to the Home kung hindi dahil sa private sector partners natin,” said Gov. Garcia.

“Dito, 500 ang makokonektahan ng Fiber to the Home at sa buong probinsya ng Bataan, higit na 100,000 makokonekta. Hindi lang estudyante ang mabibigyan ng koneksyon kundi pati ang mahigit na 6,000 faculty ay mabibigyan ng Fiber to Home.”

Uy, who attended the same ceremony, said that students should have the right to information to support them in getting proper education. “Students deserve to have this kind of service… Information technology is part and parcel of students’ learning at this age,” said Uy.

He also lauded the digital readiness of Bataan being crucial to its different developmental goals, including education. “I’d like to congratulate the leadership of Bataan that made this happen. Whatever the province of Bataan needs, we will support them, for the education of these students,” Uy expressed.

Shy, a Grade 11 student from the school expressed her gratitude for the free internet. “Malaking tulong po ito para sa amin kasi dati kailangan namin mag-load araw-araw para makapag-aral. Kapag kinulang po ng budget at walang pamili, hindi na po ako makakapasok. Ngayon hindi ko na po iisipin yung load at makaka-focus na ako sa pag-aaral,” she said.

According to Uy, laying down fiber network in Bataan began 20 years ago, said to be the one of the first expansion areas outside of Converge’s home in Pampanga. Today, the company has business centers Orani, Balanga, Limay, Mariveles, Morong, and a sixth will be built in Dinalupihan.