Paying it forward: Programmer repairs students’ laptops for free in Tarlac
BAMBAN, TARLAC – A 22 year-old programmer who once experienced hardships in life is now offering computer / laptop repair services for free to students who have resumed classes online.
About 150 students have so far reached out to Mark Anthony Perez, who launched his repair services amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Perez also advised people not to throw away old or damaged laptops since such could still be donated to him instead for parts he can use in repairing the students’ computers.
He is also donating old laptops, two of which were delivered to him for indigent students.
“All they need is to show their certificates of registration (COR) or school identification cards, since this campaign is open to all students who are in need,” Perez said.
“Gusto ko lang makatulong kahit sa simpleng bagay lang na ganito. Minsan na din akong nahirapan at may mga taong tumulong sa’kin. Panahon na para ako naman ang magbalik ng tulong para sa iba (All I want to do is help out. I was also in dire straits once and people offered me help so I am lending a hand to those in need),” he said in a telephone interview.
Perez said he was aware that some students like him do not have internet connections and laptops at home, and have been relying on their mobile telephones.
