THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has expanded access to digital learning tools in Last Mile Schools (LMS), helping educators and learners in geographically isolated communities achieve noticeable improvements in academic performance and classroom engagement.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to bridge the digital divide and improve the quality of education in remote areas.

DepEd officials recently conducted a field inspection of the EdTech Solutions for Last Mile Schools in COVID-19 Project facilities at Danahaw Integrated School to assess the impact of digital interventions deployed in underserved communities.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that a child’s location should never determine the quality of education he or she receives.

“Dito sa Danahaw Integrated School, nakikita natin kung paano nagbubukas ng tunay na oportunidad para sa mga mag-aaral na Pilipino ang mga pandaigdigang pakikipagtulungan. Ang paglalagay ng Starlink satellite equipment, pamamahagi ng tablets, pagbibigay ng digitized learning materials, at pagpapatupad ng blended teacher training programs ay mga konkretong hakbang upang mapaliit ang digital divide sa edukasyon,” ani Angara.

Ang mensahe ni Angara ay inihatid ni DepEd Undersecretary Debbie Jean Centeno-Dijamco sa kanyang ngalan sa isinagawang site visit.

Ayon sa DepEd, inilunsad ang proyekto noong 2021 sa kasagsagan ng pandemya upang maghatid ng digitized learning modules, solar power infrastructure, at satellite internet connectivity sa 21 geographically isolated schools sa buong bansa.

The department said the program continues to demonstrate how technology-driven solutions and strategic partnerships can help ensure that learners in remote communities have access to quality and inclusive education.