Converge advocates for DepEd’s Ligtas na Balik-Aral,  extends support to boost digital preparedness of schools

 Photo 1 Around 30 volunteers from the Converge workforce took part in Brigada Eskwela in Ugong Pasig National High School and Francisco Legaspi Memorial School.

Photo 2  A volunteer IT Engineer of Converge readies the PCs in Ugong Pasig National High School in time for Balik Eskwela 2022.

Photo 3 Converge provided free broadband connectivity to serve the digital needs of students in Ugong Pasig National High School and Francisco Legaspi Memorial School.

Photo 4  Aside from preparing the IT infrastructure and wiring of computers in the two high schools, Converge also undertook clean-up activities such as cleaning of window sills and classroom equipment.

Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. gathered volunteers from different departments and offices to team up for this year’s Brigada Eskwela spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), in preparation for the start of face-to-face classes this August.

Employees from Converge, including subsidiary MetroWorks and parent company ComClark, joined hands to clean up and maintain the facilities of Ugong Pasig National High School and Francisco Legaspi Memorial School.

Both schools are beneficiaries of free connectivity from Converge, given earlier this year to aid students’ digital learning capabilities.

As part of the Brigada Eskwela program, the Converge IT Group lent their expertise by deploying volunteer IT Engineers to fix local area networks (LAN), set- up computers, and install routers in ideal locations to enable a good online experience for students.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to extend support through initiatives such as the Brigada Eskwela. This is part of our commitment to sustainability for the good of our community and our nation,” said Converge Chief Information Officer Ulysses Naguit.

“As a technology company, we see it as our duty to lend our expertise in ICT to these schools and aid in their digital transformation,” added Naguit.

“One of the biggest aspects where we can contribute is through strengthening the schools’ IT capabilities. We set up their computer labs because their machines were left unused due to the pandemic. We also donated tools and equipment to help their connectivity,” said Fregie Chanjueco of Converge IT Operations Technical Support Team.

“Sinet-up natin ito, in-assess, at ipinaliwanag kung ano ‘yung gagawin, at saan ito ikakabit para mayroon silang gagamitin sa pagbubukas ng eskwela,” Chanjueco added.

The Converge troop of volunteers also turned over posters and information materials on dengue and COVID-19 prevention to guide learners and school staff in keeping their health and safety in mind.  They also lent a hand in the cleaning of classrooms, floor signages, and moss removal on campus.

In 2021, Converge launched its Sustainability Commitment which aims to empower the Filipino people and the nation through technology.

Among the four pillars of this sustainability, commitment is Creating Positive Community Impact, which activities like Brigada Eskwela firmly engenders.  Strengthening public schools’ digital capabilities is likewise aligned with the company’s mission to connect the unserved and underserved and is in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Converge is not only providing free connectivity through this partnership with the schools, but it is also enhancing the digital literacy of students and teachers by ensuring they have access to proper tools and technologies,” added Benjamin B. Azada, Chief Sustainability Officer at Converge.

In line with the administration’s call to promote universal connectivity, Converge deliberately undertakes activities that broaden access to the internet to marginalized groups. ###