Converge expands eLearning access for under-resourced students

“Education is the only treasure I can give that no one can ever take from you.” 

Incoming second-year college students Arvie Sino Cruz, Daniella Mae Adrales, Maristelle Quiñones, and Andrea Candice Alvarez always keep this teaching in mind as they carve their way to their most prized college degrees. 

Growing up, they regard education as of utmost importance as their parents instilled in them that it is the path that will take them to a good career someday, uplifting not only their lives but also their families. 

Dedicated to getting good academic remarks, the four students make the most out of their available resources, such as mobile data, just to comply with school requirements.

Converge connectivity beneficiaries (from left) Daniella Mae Adrales, Andrea Candice Alvarez, Maristelle Quiñones, and Arvie Sino Cruz.

So, when schools went distance learning mode from face-to-face classes during the pandemic then, the four struggled with the immediate transition as they did not have the financial capacity to avail of premium fixed-line broadband plans.

“Sa course ko, sobrang importante ng internet kasi kailangan namin mag-research, at manonood ng videos para mag-advance study. Kailangan ko rin makipag-communicate sa teachers and classmates ko,” said Arvie who is taking Applied Mathematics - Information Technology Track as a scholar at Far Eastern University. 

They also could not fully rely on their phones to attend their day-to-day classes. Mobile reception in their area is poor, and mobile data can be as expensive as postpaid internet since users need to reload when they max out or their plan expires.

Knowing the difficulties these students faced through a letter from the community parish that also supports the education of the four students, in 2021, Converge took action to power up their connectivity for free until they finish their studies.

The students no longer had to worry that they might get disconnected during their online class and they can now count on unlimited and dependable connectivity to take part in all their online learning activities, synchronous or not.

“Sa bahay kasi namin, wala talagang signal kahit anong network. Sa dulo kasi 'yung bahay namin so, dati, lalabas pa po ako ng bahay. Minsan, aakyat pa ako sa bubong para maghanap ng signal. Ngayon, abot na abot na po 'yung internet,” said Maristelle, a BA Communication student.  

Daniella Mae Adrales made sure to make the most out of her free internet connection by dedicating internet use at home for school research only. 

For Daniella, since she became a connectivity beneficiary of Converge, her whole family experienced the difference that a decent internet connection makes, especially her siblings, who are still in junior high school, and her parents who also attend occasional online fellowship at church.

“Nu'ng nagka-Wi-Fi po kami sa Converge, sobrang convenient kasi mas mabilis ‘yung signal at kahit anong app pwedeng gamitin lalo na po kapag gumagamit kami ng Zoom at Google Meet,” said Daniella, who studies Internal Auditing. 

The free internet connection was also particularly beneficial for Andrea whose family used to spend almost half of his father’s monthly salary just for prepaid Wi-Fi load. 

“Since 'yung internet ngayon ay prevalent na, napaka importante talaga n'ya lalo na may mga pagkakataon na malalayo 'yung libraries at talagang 'yung students, online na kumukuha ng information at resources lalo na para sa mga research project. Nag-a-advance na rin 'yung technology at kailangan po nating makapag-adapt para makahabol din po tayo,” said Andrea. 

With the connectivity support from Converge, these students were adequately equipped to focus on online class discussions, instead of stressing if their mobile plan could still hold on for the next class. No wonder, the four completed their Senior High School with honors. 

These stories continue to inspire Converge to provide connectivity support for students striving in school to achieve their dreams. Recently, the company unveiled its BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program, which seeks to extend free fiber connectivity to incoming senior high school students, powered by its low-cost postpaid product BIDA Fiber. 

The program is open to incoming Grade 11 students enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track in public schools. 

Converge Launches Internet Scholarship Program to Bridge the Digital Divide for Filipino Students in AY 2024-2025

The four scholars of Sta. Maria Della Strada parish, ,were the inspiration of Converge in coming up with the Fiber Internet Scholarship Program.

In response to the increasing importance of internet access for education and the growing cost of connectivity in the Philippines, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a leading fiber broadband provider, has introduced an internet scholarship program aimed at supporting 10 underprivileged public school students in senior high school. This initiative falls under the brand name of their postpaid fiber plan BIDA.

Maria Grace Y. Uy, the President of Converge, highlighted the disparity in access to technology among students, emphasizing the risk of falling behind global standards in education. She expressed the company's commitment to addressing this issue through the launch of the BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program. By providing free internet access to disadvantaged students, Converge aims to empower them to unlock their full potential as learners and contribute positively to society.

The official launch of the BIDA Internet Scholarship Program was done through a webinar announcing the program requirements with Converge employees in attendance. 

The program's focus on enhancing access to education aligns with Converge's dedication to supporting Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) and No Poverty (SDG 1). The company has been actively involved in promoting education, having previously collaborated with the Department of Education to facilitate remote learning during the pandemic.

The BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program is open to incoming Grade 11 students enrolled in public schools, specifically those pursuing the STEM track and ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class. By providing these students with internet access, Converge aims to level the playing field and create equal opportunities for all, irrespective of their socio-economic background.

The four girls were the first beneficiaries of the free Converge internet for a year, for senior high school students. 

This initiative comes at a time when broadband internet remains financially out of reach for many Filipinos, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. The Philippines has been noted to have one of the highest monthly internet costs among ASEAN countries, making connectivity a luxury for some. In contrast, the BIDA Fiber postpaid plan offers an affordable option at P 888 per month, providing high-speed internet for up to six devices without any data limitations.

Prospective applicants for the scholarship program can submit their requirements between June 25 and July 10, with the scholarship recipients set to be announced on July 30. Through initiatives like the BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program, Converge is actively working to bridge the digital divide and empower Filipino students with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.