One of the most challenging issues that Filipino students had to face in 2020 is the sudden shift to online or distance learning. If they are privileged enough, their problems would stop there.

But in a survey done by the Department of Education (DepEd), there are more than 6.9 million enrollees who said that they have unstable mobile and internet connections, while over 6.8 million noted lack of available gadgets and equipment suitable for distance learning.

The survey also cited another 6.2 million enrollees who cited insufficient load or data as their primary concern. 

Some students resort to asking for monetary donations online just for them to join distance learning. But there are actually groups that can help people reach out to them.

To make sure every student receives the necessary equipment they need to continue their education, we’ve listed the groups that can help you provide gadgets to students in need: 

Bayanihan Para sa Distance Learning

In its aim to ease the hardships of Filipino students, the office of Vice President Leni Robredo launched the ‘Bayanihan Para sa Distance Learning.’

The Office accepts items such as used or unused smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops, charging cables, earphones, speakers, and more. You may provide your name, contact details, and list of items you want to donate to [email protected] or via their official form.

Photo lifted from the Facebook page of VP Leni Robredo

Kaagapay sa Pag-Aaral

The Kaagapay sa Pag-Aaral initiative is a donation drive led by the University of the Philippines (UP) to support at least 5,600 students across their schools who do not have the gadgets needed for online learning.

For this drive, people may provide monetary donations or used gadgets at drop-off centers in UP. People may also contact them through  0916-723-1200 or [email protected].

Photo lifted from the Facebook page of the University of the Philippines

The Landas Organization

To help the students of Homeowners Association of Meralco Relocatees, Inc. P4, the Landas Organization made the Kapit-bisig sa Panahon ng Pandemya donation drive.

“Electronic devices, school supplies, and health kits are essentials for students in the time of COVID-19, and these are exactly what we aim to provide. With your help, we can earn enough to give these resources to 300 students who need them,” the group said in a Facebook post.

Photo lifted from the Facebook page of Landas