MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos announced a bold move to bridge the digital divide in education by promising satellite internet access to all public schools in the country through Starlink. This initiative aims to deliver reliable connectivity, especially in far-flung areas, ensuring that students and teachers can benefit from modern digital tools.
During the national launch of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “Brigada Eskwela” program at Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel, Bulacan, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to improving teaching conditions and learning outcomes by harnessing advanced technology.
“We have seen the new Starlink, which offers internet connection and Wi-Fi everywhere. This will be implemented not only here but also in various remote schools across the country,” he said.
Starlink: A Faster Alternative for Schools
President Marcos highlighted Starlink’s simplicity and dependability, making it an ideal solution for rural schools where internet access has long been a challenge. “The system is straightforward: just connect, plug it in, and you’ll have Wi-Fi,” he explained.
Unlike traditional internet services that depend on cables or cell towers, Starlink uses satellites orbiting Earth to beam internet signals directly to ground dishes. This technology is especially beneficial for areas where conventional internet is slow, costly, or unavailable.
Developed by SpaceX, Starlink’s satellite network offers a reliable and efficient way to provide internet access to underserved communities.
Empowering Teachers and Students Through Connectivity
President Marcos also used the event to rally support for the “Brigada Eskwela” program, a nationwide volunteer effort involving teachers, parents, students, communities, businesses, and government workers. Together, they prepare public schools for the reopening of classes on June 16.
By embracing new technologies like Starlink, the government aims to ensure that schools have stable internet connections, which are crucial for digital learning resources.
Moreover, the President stressed the importance of supporting teachers beyond technology upgrades. He promised to provide retraining and professional development to help educators improve their teaching skills.
“We will support you not only financially but also through retraining, so you can teach better,” Marcos assured.
Reducing Teachers’ Administrative Burdens
Addressing the heavy paperwork that often consumes teachers’ time, President Marcos reiterated his commitment to easing these administrative tasks. He emphasized that teachers should focus on teaching rather than bookkeeping.
“You became teachers to teach, not to perform bookkeeping tasks,” he said firmly.
This statement aligns with long-standing appeals from teachers’ groups for better compensation, less clerical work, and improved school conditions. The President noted that Education Secretary Sonny Angara is actively working to reduce teachers’ administrative loads so they can dedicate more time to instruction and mentoring.
Calling teachers the “true heroes” of the nation, Marcos pledged continued financial assistance and retraining opportunities.
“A teacher is usually losing sleep if they do not get the chance to teach,” the President added, underscoring the dedication of educators nationwide.
For more news and updates on satellite internet access, visit Filipinokami.com.