Marcos urges students in remote areas to maximize internet access

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. File photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to make the most of their newly installed internet connection.

He made the statement during a virtual interaction with students from Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, who are members of the Higaonon tribe.

READ: Marcos orders agencies: Prioritize power, internet access in schools

“Your new gadget is nice; make the most of it. You can learn a lot from it,” Marcos told the students via Zoom.

“You can really do a lot when you have internet access,” he added.

The interaction was part of the Marcos administration’s school connectivity drive, held at Flora A. Ylagan High School in Diliman, Quezon City.

The initiative, launched in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, aims to bridge the digital divide in public schools—particularly in underserved areas—by strengthening internet connectivity and enhancing digital infrastructure.

READ: Marcos eyes satellite-based internet for schools

In a chance interview on Monday, Marcos said he had directed government agencies to prioritize providing electricity and internet connectivity in schools.

This directive aligns with his administration’s commitment to achieve 100 percent internet access nationwide before the end of his term in 2028./mcm