Aboitiz and Okada broaden their investment in Aurora, Philippines

In a significant move to bridge the digital divide and improve learning conditions in remote areas of the Philippines, ABOITIZ Foundation Inc. and Okada Foundation Inc. (OFI) have partnered to expand AuroraPH. This program provides renewable energy, internet connectivity, and digital learning tools to last-mile schools across the country.

Launched in 2024 with 11 pilot schools, AuroraPH has already reached over 2,500 students and teachers. By 2025, the program aims to cover 100 schools, with a long-term goal of 300 schools nationwide. The partnership will extend AuroraPH's reach to Palawan, Zambales, Cebu, Siargao, Iligan, Davao, Cotabato, and Surigao.

Okada Foundation president James Lorenzana expressed that the collaboration will help break barriers in education for children in underserved areas. He stated, "Through the partnership, we aim to light up classrooms, support teachers, and give children the opportunity to learn with confidence and growth."

Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation, shared similar sentiments. She stated, "The partnership embodies a shared responsibility, advocacy, and dream to ensure no child in the Philippines is left behind due to geography, lack of access, or lack of resources."

AuroraPH uses a combination of renewable energy, satellite internet, and digital devices to improve learning conditions in last-mile public schools. The Okada Foundation has pledged an initial P10 million grant for the rollout of AuroraPH in the newly added regions.

The cooperation to expand AuroraPH involves a partnership with Höegh Autoliners and other stakeholders. However, the specific companies involved in the AuroraPH program collaboration are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results.

This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring equal opportunities for education in the Philippines, reaching nearly 20 percent of the country's unenergized schools. The partnership is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students and teachers in remote areas, improving their learning conditions and opening up a world of opportunities.