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Goducate helps connect rural communities in the Philippines to the internet

The “new normal” imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many internet issues, affecting online learning, work-from-home programs, online businesses, and many more. Next to food, clothing, shelter, and electricity, internet connection is now something practically everyone needs.

However, with the limited access to good internet in the Philippines, Filipinos in rural areas are badly affected. Some students need to climb trees or rooftops just to get data.

Although the Goducate Training Center in San Miguel, Iloilo, is in a remote and rural area, it is helping its neighboring communities with internet connections. It is using its existing internet infrastructure to provide internet connection to the surrounding community. College students can still continue their schooling through GTC’s connection. Students do not need to travel to the town or pay high fees to attend online seminars. The nearby elementary school also expressed its gratitude after they got connected.

Goducate staff laying internet cables on roof top.
Internet aerial fixed by Goducate staff

*Our guest writer, Teofy Clarisse Guzon-Decatoria, is a member of staff at Goducate Training Center in San Miguel.

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GoDeeds Talk prompts gift of 3D printer for Goducate

During the restrictions resulting from the Covid -19 pandemic, Goducate Laguna created an online platform called “GoDeeds Talk” to feature how people or organisations help others. These talks, which began about three months ago, have been held weekly. Specialists are invited to speak on the topic. For instance, the leader of the Breast Milk Donation group came to speak on breast-milk donation.

The talk on August 20, 2020 featured BolunTurismoPH, a non-governmental organization that envisions a world where children are achieving their rights to education and that promotes compassion and volunteerism among children of “Mangyan tribes” in Mindoro Philippines. Because of the pandemic, BolunTurismoPH and UP (University of the Philippines) Eagles Alumni purchased two 3D printers. These printers were used to provide over 5000 face-shields to our frontliners from March 28-31. The face-shield project was spearheaded by the Laguna Patriots Team.

On Aug 25, five days after the GoDeeds Talk, BolunTurismoPH Founder and UP Eagles Alumna, Miss Abby Pabro, officially presented one of the 3D printers to Goducate Laguna. This will serve as an income-generating item for Goducate Laguna. We thank BolunTurismoPH and UP Eagles Alumni for this gift.

*Our guest writer is Gemma Abrenilla, staff member in Goducate Laguna.

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Goducate Laguna continues to help community with food

Earlier on in the Covid-19 pandemic, Goducate Laguna distributed food to many hundred families (see Goducate blog 2020-04-17).

Through the generosity of some kind sponsors, Goducate Laguna was able, in August, to do another round of food distribution. A few of the 23 families that received the rice and groceries this time were those of Goducate volunteers.

Food Distribution

*Our guest writer is Gemma Abrenilla, staff member in Goducate Laguna.