Telecommunications firm Eastern Communications has partnered with UK-based non-profit unconnected.org to deliver free internet connectivity to ten geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) schools across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—a strategic move underscoring the commercial sector’s growing role in digital inclusion.
Announced during a formal signing and planning session, the initiative kicks off with eight pilot sites in Dipolog, General Santos, Tuguegarao, Naga, Kalibo, Bais, Davao, and Zamboanga. The collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide by equipping schools, teachers, students, and local communities with reliable internet access and future digital literacy training.
“We believe that access to the internet is no longer a privilege, but a basic need, especially for education and access to vital information,” said Jed Estanislao, chief marketing and experience officer at Eastern Communications. “Through this partnership with unconnected.org, not only can we help bridge the digital divide but also drive digital literacy, especially in far-flung areas.”
The effort is more than a CSR initiative—it aligns with the broader goal of integrating underserved regions into the digital economy. By connecting remote schools, Eastern positions itself as a catalyst for educational advancement and long-term community development.
The partnership underscores a growing trend of public-private cooperation in digital infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets where connectivity is uneven. By targeting GIDA schools, Eastern Communications and unconnected.org are investing in foundational digital access that could yield long-term socio-economic returns.
