Synergeia Foundation, PhilTower MIDC, and Data Lake, Inc. recently launched “Connecting Futures,” an initiative promoting digital inclusion by providing free internet connectivity and digital learning opportunities to selected public schools in the Philippines.
Through the initiative, schools with limited or no internet connectivity in 12 Synergeia partner local government units (LGUs), namely Pasig City, Valenzuela City, and Navotas City in Metro Manila; Pililla, Rizal; San Fernando City, La Union; and Balanga City, Bataan in Luzon; Balamban, Cebu; Igbaras and Pototan, Iloilo; and Maasin, Iloilo, in the Visayas; and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, in Mindanao will gain access to free Wi-Fi connectivity powered by Starlink satellite internet services.
Complementing the connectivity component, the said foundation which champions good local governance primarily through education will provide digital learning modules and capacity-building activities to address the learning needs of students and teachers and enhance the quality of classroom instruction.
“Connectivity is only the starting point. What makes ‘Connecting Futures’ different is that we are pairing it with our Digi-Education program. Together with our LGU partners, we will train teachers and students not just to get online, but to use connectivity meaningfully for learning, research, and communication in the classroom,” said Milwida M. Guevara, Founding President and General Counsel of Synergeia.
The initiative was officially launched on September 10, 2026, at Valenzuela City Hall, with Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian hosting the event. Iligan City Mayor Fred Siao and Pililla, Rizal Mayor John Masinsin also shared messages of gratitude for the inclusion of their respective LGUs among the project’s beneficiaries.
The initiative was made possible through an USD 100,000 grant awarded to PhilTower MIDC through the Macquarie Shared Value Awards, an annual corporate recognition program established by the Macquarie Group Foundation. PhilTower MIDC is a major joint venture and digital infrastructure provider in the Philippines, while Data Lake, Inc. is the first authorized Starlink reseller in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The project includes the provision of satellite equipment and free internet subscriptions from September 2026 through March 2028.
The Department of Education’s Quality Basic Education Development Plan 2025-2035 reported that, based on School Year 2023-2024 data, 12,532 schools lacked both internet connectivity and electricity, while 9,535 schools lacked computers.
Through “Connecting Futures,” the partners aim to help bridge the digital divide in public education by expanding opportunities for students and teachers in underserved communities to access digital resources and leverage technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
