Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman emphasized the importance of investing in education, especially in Mindanao, during the launch of the “Pay IT Forward: A Digital Transformation Advocacy” in Manila today, 25 April 2025.

 

The advocacy project, in partnership with DBM, iAcademy, RepublicAsia Media, and GMA Kapuso Foundation, aims to spark progress and contribute to the transformation of the country's education sector through digital empowerment.

 

"We really need to keep doing something, investing on education of our children to ensure na may future po tayo," Sec. Mina said. "If we don't take care of our children, wala pong mangyayari sa Pilipinas. Uplifting the status of education in the country is a legacy that President Bongbong Marcos wants to leave behind," she continued.

 

To kickstart the initiative, initial efforts will involve providing internet access in select educational institutions, offering free digital skills training to educators, and donating tablets to schools/students and other school supplies to enhance their learning experience.

 

The awarding of equipment to school and students is set to take place in May in Marawi, Lanao del Sur.

 

"Sobrang tagos sa puso ko ang anumang proyekto o programa na makakatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng Marawi. As a lot of people know, I am from Mindanao. And since I started my role at the DBM, I continue to make sure that I represent— and give Mindanao a voice in the cabinet, in the executive, and in all possible decisions. I am from Marawi, and we all know that our city is still undergoing rehabilitation, at kailangan na kailangan po natin ng tulong para d'yan. I am happy that projects like this— providing internet access and technological equipment to our youth in far-flung areas— reach even BARMM, especially Marawi,” Sec. Mina said.

 

“When I'm thinking about Mindanao and Marawi, the first name that popped up in my mind is of course, Secretary Mina of DBM. Marawi is still in the process of rebuilding itself, and more than the infrastructure, we want to help in giving them more digital access and connectivity. With this project, it will be easier for students​ and teachers to gain access to internet. With the help of Secretary Mina and iAcademy, everything is now being fast-tracked,” RepublicAsia Founder and Chief Executive Officer Bran Reluao, for his part, said.

 

As part of the project launch, an agreement was signed among other advocacy partners. These include the iAcademy and the GMA Kapuso Foundation, which likewise committed to supporting the project through promoting the proper use of technology and social media platforms, among others.

 

"When government and private partners work hand in hand with genuine commitment, meaningful change becomes possible. Today stands a testament to our collective commitment to purpose and progress. It's about doing something greater than ourselves. We are here to make meaningful action that builds a future where no learner is left behind," iAcademy President and Chief Operating Officer Raquel Perez-Wong expressed.

 

Meanwhile, GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Anette Gozon-Valdes also thanked the RepublicAsia, DBM, and iAcademy for working together toward bringing hope to young learners through the Pay IT Forward project.

 

"I'd like to thank you for considering the four Marawi schools that GMA Kapuso Foundation built as recipients for your endeavor. So, we're very excited to be able to provide them the tools that they need to further their education," Atty. Gozon-Valdes said.

 

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