EdgePoint Philippines, a telecommunications infrastructure company, is equipping students in underserved communities with improved access to technology through its first digital classroom project in the Philippines – Southville 8B National High School in Montalban, Rizal as the pilot beneficiary.

The project is part of EdgePoint’s Connectivity for Communities program, a regional corporate social responsibility program focused on enhancing digital access for students.

The digital classroom boasts brand-new computers with unlimited internet access, housed in a cool, air-conditioned space. 

Students will also benefit from a flat-panel television, a whiteboard, and various educational software, including e-books, interactive learning platforms, and multimedia content.

“This initiative is a testament to how private companies can use their resources to create a better, more connected society,” Philip Varillia, DICT assistant secretary for infrastructure management, was quote in a report by The Manila Times.

EdgePoint Philippines CEO William Walters expressed the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, highlighting their belief in promoting digital equity in all countries in which they operate. 

“We strongly believe that digital education is very important. A lot of kids, when they grow up, will be involved in digital in some form or another, and we can empower children with digital skills. It really opens up for the future,” Walters said.

This digital classroom marks the beginning of a wider effort by EdgePoint. The company aims to launch similar projects in ten more schools across the Philippines this year.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between EdgePoint Philippines, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology. 

The project is integral to RISE, a community strategy aimed at building resilient infrastructures, supporting inclusive programs, and empowering young learners through sustainable and innovative methods, according to Vanessa Lee Calixto, resource development manager of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Currently, six schools and 5,000 students have benefited from the Connectivity for Communities program. 

EdgePoint, which offers sharable telecom infrastructure, small cell towers, and in-building systems, operates out of Singapore with offices in three countries.