BAGUIO CITY (PIA)-- Learners and teachers in far-flung schools in the province of Apayao can now connect to the world wide web. 

Cordillera Golfers Foundation Incorporated (CGFI) president Arnel Piel, together with Bernard Capuyan, Casio Paris, Jr., and Chaharo Galeng, turned over 10 units of Starlink satellite internet system devices to the regional office of the Department of Education.

The beneficiary schools include; the Apayao Science High School, the Calanasan National High School, the Kadikitan Elementary School, the Kabugao Agro-Industrial High School, the Gov. Benjamin Leguiab Memorial High School, the Guina-ang National High School, the Consuelo National High School, the Allig National High School, the Mosimut National High School, and the Marag Valley Agricultural and Trade High School.

The donation came from the proceeds of the CGFI’s golf tournament in 2023, from which at least P300,000 was allocated for the acquisition of the internet connection system for the Apayao schools.

In his message, Piel said that the CGFI was created by fellow golfers, and leaders from various fields in the Cordillera region, with the aim to raise funds for charitable purposes, while enjoying the game of golf. The group also coordinates with other institutions in organizing civic programs and projects.

DepEd officials, teachers and students expressed gratitude to the CGFI for the Starlink device  donation, which is a significant step forward in improving  the educational opportunities  of students in remote areas without internet access.

Department of Education-Cordillera regional director Estela Leon-Cariño acknowledged the importance of this donation in bridging the digital divide, especially in remote areas like Marag Valley where telecommunications signal  has not yet reached a large part of Barangay Marag.

Apayao school division superintendent Irene Angway also expressed heartfelt appreciation to CGFI for addressing the critical need for internet access in public schools, streamlining essential tasks for both educators, and students. 

Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang reminded the students to use the internet wisely and encouraged them to study hard so that one day they will be better prepared to lead, and be positive forces for the development and progress of Apayao. (RMC- PIA CAR)