Gen Z digital advocate Bran Reluao leads tech rollout in remote Cebu classrooms
Bran Reluao, the brainchild behind the Pay IT Forward initiative, joins DICT Secretary Henry Aguda during the launch in Cebu.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Gen Z’s leading advocate for artificial intelligence and digital inclusivity Bran F. Reluao spearheaded the turnover of tablets and internet connectivity to remote schools in Cebu through his Pay IT Forward initiative.
The initiative was done in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Education (DepEd), Republic Asia, and iACADEMY to close the digital divide in underserved communities.
The initiative targets schools in hard-to-reach areas across Cebu, where internet access is scarce and digital resources are limited. Through this mission, Republic Asia hopes to empower students and educators who have long faced the challenges of distance and disconnection.
Reluao, chief executive officer of Republic Asia, emphasized the power of partnerships in creating lasting change.
“When we build more partnerships with the government and private sectors, we open the door to even bigger opportunities – and that’s what I’m truly excited about,” he said during the turnover of tablets.
Eight public schools received Starlink internet kits and tablets: Eduardo T. Oporto MNHS in Bogo City, Kalagyawon NHS in Carcar City, Cabagdalan NHS in Balamban, Gilloctog NHS in Barili, Alpaco NHS in the City of Naga, Nicolas Tiongco MNHS in Danao City, Nemesio Epifania Taneo MNHS in Lapu-Lapu City, and Gen. Climaco MNHS in Toledo City.
“Education is the great equalizer,” Reluao said. “As a digital inclusivity advocate, I personally believe that technology can be a powerful equalizer, too — if we give every learner a fair chance at success. One learner, one school at a time.”
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda recognized Republic Asia and iACADEMY’s vital role in driving educational innovation.
iACADEMY President Raquel Perez-Wong said the initiative proves that collaboration can accelerate efforts to bridge the digital gap.
“Pay IT Forward is an advocacy that allows us to share our tech and digital privilege. While our effort doesn’t solve the challenge entirely, our hope is that our small steps will later turn to bigger resolve and greater hope for others so each and every one of us will have our fair chance to shine in this digital world,” Wong said.
Bran Reluao, the brainchild behind the Pay IT Forward initiative, joins DICT Secretary Henry Aguda during the launch in Cebu.
“iACADEMY is humbled by this partnership with RA in this very noble cause to address the digital divide and we hope others join our digital bayanihan,” she added.
Assistant Secretary Mars Veloso of the Department of Education emphasized the scale of the challenge bring technology to every school.
“We are serving forty thousand school locations – about 54,000 schools if you include integrated schools, high schools, and senior high schools,” she said. “It is a challenge, but also a tremendous opportunity.”
Teachers from the recipient schools expressed their gratitude.
“This meaningful contribution will greatly support our students’ access to digital learning and enhance their educational experience,” said Ramil Gemota of Kalagyawon NHS in Carcar.
“Our heartfelt thanks to iACADEMY and Republic Asia for bridging the digital divide! Your generous donation of a Starlink Internet connection and tablets to Alpaco NHS and SHS will empower our students with better access to digital learning. Your support means the world to us!” said Ma. Cristy Sarvida Deguma of DepEd City of Naga Division.
Reluao said that as an AI and digital inclusivity advocate, his initiative would be expanded to other communities.
“Together, we aim to spark a nationwide movement that empowers communities to embrace the digital transformation journey,” he declared. “Let’s continue to pay it forward. Let’s build a community that thrives in the digital world, where no learner is left behind,” he added.
