Globe turns over digital program to Department of Education

MANILA, Philippines — Telecommunications company Globe has turned over to the Department of Education (DepEd) the management of its Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program, which involves the provision of schools with free internet connectivity and information communication technology tools.

“Technology and innovation are major drivers of progress and we recognize their importance in improving performance and facilitating learning of students and teachers,” Globe chief sustainability officer and senior vice president for corporate communications Yoly Crisanto said.

“With GFS now under the DepEd, we hope to open doors for more public schools to experience education that is not limited to the four corners of the classroom and not bounded by physical textbooks or paper and pen so that borderless learning can take place,” Crisanto added.

During the turnover on Friday, Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali stressed the importance of equipping classrooms with tools that will enable students to be competent with  21st century skills and knowledge. 

“Initiatives like GFS that introduce new ways of educating our youth are very important in helping the country keep pace with the rest of the world. We are looking forward to having more public schools adopt technology through internet connectivity and mobile tech solutions that GFS provides,” Umali said.

With the turnover, Globe said the DepEd would be able to closely monitor how technology improves teaching and learning for possible replication in other public schools not covered by the program.  

Crisanto said the company would continue to support the use of technology in public schools through sharing with the DepEd updates on educational innovations and by providing the necessary tech tools and solutions needed by teachers and students.