Students raising money for laptops via peso campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Less than a month before the official start of classes, several students took to Twitter to express their lack of access to gadgets necessary for virtual learning, even as they asked for donors who can help them raise money for laptops through their peso campaign.

Under the campaign #Pisoparasalaptop, several students on Twitter solicited the netizens’ help so they can have their own laptops in time for the school opening on Aug. 24.

Carl, 19, an incoming college advertising student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said he was asking for help as his father, a tricycle driver, has no stable job during the pandemic.

“I hope school will resume only if there is a COVID vaccine already. Not all have Wi-Fi connection and gadgets. Some may be privileged, but not all … Some may not have a choice but to stop going to school. Online classes are not as effective as face-to-face learning,” he said.

The P1,100 he was able to collect through Gcash, he said, was already spent to settle his obligations and requirements.

Carl was eyeing a simple laptop, which he said, could process and read documents. Should the classes start on Aug. 24, he said, he would have to rely on his old cell phone and a P300 monthly internet for all his classes.

“But I don’t think my cell phone can accommodate all classes. Aside from that, I also do not have books,” said Corre, a silver medalist when he graduated from senior high school.

Stephanie, also an incoming freshman, said her father’s wages as a construction worker could not afford them to buy even a second-hand laptop.

“I know that many have done this already, but I hope that you can help me. Even a simple retweet will also help,” she said, posting her Gcash account number.

Others, needed to post their graduation pictures to prove that they are legitimate like Marjorie Cibel, also an incoming college student who recently lost her father.

“Because of difficulties, we cannot afford to buy even a second-hand laptop … I am asking help from you,” she said.