Tech advocate Bran Reluao teams up with DBM, GMA, iAcademy for Marawi project
Pay IT Forward: Reluao together with DBM Sec. Pangandaman (middle) during the MOA signing
MARAWI CITY — Gen Z tech advocate Bran F. Reluao is bridging government and private sectors to bring digital learning tools to students in Marawi City.
Reluao, founder of RepublicAsia and lead of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” campaign, is expanding the program to Marawi with the help of key agencies and private partners.
The initiative provides free gadgets, internet devices, and training to schools that need them most.
Reluao on Friday inked a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) led by Sec. Amenah F. Pangandaman, iACADEMY, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
“Why Marawi? Because digital access remains a real challenge in the area,” Reluao said.
“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.”
“Digital transformation should not be a privilege but a right accessible to all,” Reluao said.
GenZ digital advocate Bran Reluao
“By providing tools and training to underserved schools, we are creating a foundation for a digitally empowered future.”
Pangandaman, who is from Mindanao, welcomed the initiative and underscored the importance of investing in children’s education.
“It is my great honor and privilege to join all of you today and take part in the launch of Pay IT Forward, a digital transformation advocacy. This initiative represents a significant step toward advancing our education system through digital empowerment,” Pangandaman said.
“I really thought that, you know, we really need to keep doing something, investing on education and our children to ensure na may future po tayo. So that’s the best legacy that we can leave behind,” she added.
GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdez also expressed support for the initiative, particularly for its inclusion of schools built by the GMA Kapuso Foundation.
“I would like to laud the efforts of Republic Asia, iACADEMY, and the DBM for this very noble endeavor of Pay IT Forward,” Gozon-Valdez said. “Truly, to use modern technology to further education is something that everyone should aspire for.”
iACADEMY President and COO Raquel Perez Wong highlighted the power of collaboration in addressing deep-rooted educational challenges.
“This shows the power of collaboration. When government and private partners work hand in hand with genuine commitment, meaningful change becomes possible,” she said.
“At iACADEMY, we’ve always believed in the powerful merge of education and technology. In today’s rapidly evolving world, access to technology is no longer a privilege—it is a necessity.”
“That’s why Pay IT Forward initiative is so close to our hearts. It may not solve the digital divide entirely but our hope is that our small steps will later turn to bigger resolve and greater hope for others so each and everyone of us will have our fair chance to shine in this digital world,” she added.
Reluao thanked Pangandaman for her unwavering support and acknowledged the special significance of bringing the program to Marawi.
“I know that Marawi means a lot to you, more than anyone else in this room,” he said.
RepublicAsia’s campaign aims to continue expanding into more underserved communities, uniting the public and private sectors behind one goal: empowering Filipino students through access to technology.
