THE DEPARTMENT of Education MIMAROPA Regional Office received a donation of 50 desktop computers from an education partner on Wednesday (13 Nov 2024) to help prepare students for future online international assessments.

Witnessed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Assistant Secretary for Operations Malcolm Garma, DepEd MIMAROPA Director Nicolas Capulong expressed deep gratitude, describing the donation as “like a gift of heaven.”

Capulong noted that these computers will play a key role in readying schools in the region for online international assessments, including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scheduled for next year.

Angara also extended heartfelt thanks to Pilipinas Today CEO Renesar Deunida, who donated the computer units to DepEd MIMAROPA.

“Talagang hulog ng langit ito, Sir [Rene]. Kami ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat. Maraming, maraming salamat, Sir Rene. Hindi ka nakalimot dahil si Rene, he came from humble beginnings. At alam niya ‘yong transformative power of technology,” Angara said.

Deunida, a proud product of the public school system, pledged to donate another 50 units next month. With over two decades of experience in technology, he has previously served as an IT specialist for organizations including the United Nations, HSBC, and the World Health Organization.