Philippine’s President Marcos Enhances Digital Access and Education Support in Conflict-Affected Marawi
Marawi City, The Gulf Observer: Philippine’s President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable access to education by leading a series of initiatives aimed at improving digital connectivity and learning conditions for students in Marawi City, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
During his visit, President Marcos inspected the Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in Barangay Sagonsongan, where over 720 students from five schools continue to receive instruction in facilities established after the 2017 Marawi siege. The TLS program remains a vital government intervention to ensure educational continuity for learners whose schools were damaged or displaced due to armed conflict.
Underscoring his personal support, the President oversaw the installation of a Starlink satellite internet unit at the TLS site – a personal donation aimed at improving digital access for both students and teachers. The high-speed internet is expected to significantly enhance learning opportunities and enable access to digital resources.
In addition, President Marcos announced the provision of one Starlink unit each to four additional schools in remote areas of Marawi:
- Bangon Elementary School
- Bacarat National High School
- Angoyao National High School
- Cabasaran Primary School
Alongside the deployment of satellite internet, the Office of the President distributed school bags and basic supplies to all students currently enrolled at the TLS sites, further supporting their educational needs.
The President’s visit also includes inspections of various education, medical, and transportation facilities, forming part of a wider engagement strategy to rebuild and uplift Marawi’s infrastructure and services.
The deployment of Starlink internet services is part of the Marcos administration’s broader push for digital inclusion and educational equity, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). By bridging the digital divide, the government hopes to empower learners and educators in underserved communities with tools for 21st-century learning.
“This initiative reflects our belief that no Filipino child should be left behind, regardless of geography or circumstance,” President Marcos said during the visit.
