AuroraPH reaches off-grid areas in Benguet. A student from Pimingan Elementary School connects to the internet through the school’s new Wi-Fi network powered by the solar power system installed by the Aboitiz Foundation and Aboitiz Renewables.
Benguet, Philippines — Three schools located in remote sitios of Benguet now have access to electricity and the internet through the support of AuroraPH, a joint initiative of the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc.
AuroraPH aims to harness the power of renewable energy, internet connectivity, and digital tools to transform education in last-mile schools in the Philippines.
Located in off-grid areas, the Bakian Guinawan Elementary School, Marcelo Marquez National High School, and Pimingan Elementary School were equipped with solar panels, Wi-Fi, and supplemental digital tools like televisions to help address gaps in an inclusive and equitable quality education.
"Before, we had to use lamps to study, and it was hard," shared Kyla Mae Taaca, a 16-year-old student from Pimingan Elementary School in Barangay Ansagan, Tuba. Now, we can research, join online activities, and actually see what we're writing.
“We used to travel to Baguio just to charge our laptops, limiting usage in the classroom,” recounted Pimingan Principal Aileen Adonis. “Now, we can finally teach using digital tools. We observed that students are now more engaged.”
Lanie Quinas, a regional testing coordinator, also observed that digital literacy is improving, and some students have already been adapting. “We used to bring them to town for digital exams. Now we can prepare them here in the schools themselves.”
The AuroraPH initiative aims to energize 300 schools in the Philippines. To date, the project has successfully helped three schools situated in Benguet.
“This milestone shows what’s possible when communities and partners come together,” said Jowell Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education. “May these classrooms shine bright and the future of its students be limitless.”
“We’re lighting classrooms and igniting the dreams of its students,” added Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables’ First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations. “AuroraPH is helping reshape education, one school at a time. Behind every connection is a student daring to dream, a teacher refusing to quit, and a community ready to rise.”
Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) operates nine run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, providing essential clean energy while supporting its host communities.
