Daily TribuneSolar power now fuels BAIS, ensuring steady, quality learning.
All aboard for AuroraPH The recent turnover of solar panels to Biaan Aeta Integrated School in Mariveles, Bataan brought together stakeholders from the Aboitiz Group, DepEd-Bataan and local government officials — highlighting strong collaboration toward digital transformation.
ABOITIZ Foundation impact lead for education Jowelle Ann Cruz
AboitizPower vice president for corporate services Andrea Madrid highlight the importance of bringing electricity and internet connectivity to last mile schools.
In line with its commitment to transform communities through innovation and purpose, Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with AboitizPower’s GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), has turned over solar panels and internet connectivity to Biaan Aeta Integrated School (BAIS) in Mariveles, Bataan — marking a major milestone under its flagship program, AuroraPH.
Launched in 2024, AuroraPH harnesses the power of renewable energy and satellite internet to transform last mile schools into thriving centers of learning, empowering both learners and educators. Its pilot implementation reached 11 schools and benefited over 2,500 learners and educators, including public schools in hard-to-reach areas in Benguet, Bataan, Cebu and Davao City.
The program targets 100 schools by 2025 and a total of 300 schools in the coming years, covering 15 percent of the Philippines’ unenergized public schools.
“AuroraPH is more than just a project — it is a promise to illuminate pathways and unlock opportunities,” said Jowelle Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s impact lead for education.
Solar panels were installed at BAIS to provide clean and reliable energy. The solar panels were paired with Starlink-powered internet connectivity for uninterrupted access to digital resources. School personnel underwent operations and maintenance training to ensure the sustainability of these systems.
City Savings Bank, the thrift bank subsidiary of the Union Bank of the Philippines, conducted a financial literacy session under its Project Pera-parasyon, equipping educators with money management and investment skills.
Department of Education (DepEd)-Bataan Schools Division superintendent Carolina Violeta formally accepted the project on behalf of the school community, expressing gratitude for the multisectoral collaboration that supports educational equity and inclusive development.
“Through solar power and internet connectivity, we’re not just lighting up classrooms — we’re powering the dreams of students, teachers and parents,” said Andrea Mellind Madrid, vice president for corporate services at AboitizPower GMEC and GNPD.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and DepEd’s national digitalization thrust, AuroraPH exemplifies the Aboitiz Group’s great transformation into the country’s first techglomerate — a future-ready enterprise driven by innovation and social impact.
