Aboitiz Foundation also acknowledged its efforts for Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program, which also promotes accessible and inclusive digital learning and job opportunities for women and mothers who want to work at home.
Hontiveros-Malvar stressed that access to technology is no longer a privilege but a right and the laptops are not just devices but “stepping stones toward equal opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Aguda said that digital transformation is not just about modern tools but about giving every Filipino a fair shot at participating in the digital economy.
“Digitalization must be inclusive. Efforts like today’s turnover support not only education, but also economic resilience, communication and access to essential government services,” he said.
Aguda highlighted a critical barrier that remains: the regional pricing gap in technology. In areas outside Metro Manila, the cost of digital devices can be 20 to 30 percent higher, making them inaccessible for many. The laptops from HTP bridge this affordability gap and help ensure that no community is left behind.
The DICT secretary hailed the partnership, aptly calling this initiative a “digital bayanihan.”
As the President says, we must work with the private sector because this is a true public-private partnership. Nobody can argue about connecting people — because if you connect people, you connect them to opportunities,” Aguda said.
For her part Co said, “Moments like these remind us that there is still hope — hope in the form of opportunities for the next generation. This is about ensuring they are not just keeping up, but also finding their place in the digital world.”
Co said the common advocacy of Aboitiz Foundation and GDP is a long-term initiative.
“Our goal is simple, to make life easier and more hopeful for every Filipino,” she said. “Technology should be a great equalizer, especially in education.”
While donations are an important first step, Co added that equally essential are long-term tracking, maintenance and community engagement to ensure real and lasting benefits of the laptops.
The laptops for learning support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 4 or quality education by providing students in marginalized areas with the tools to access digital learning. Simultaneously, they promote SDG 9 by supporting innovation and digital infrastructure, and SDG 10 by addressing the stark inequalities in access to technology and information.
In an increasingly digital world, access to technology is essential for participating in society, the economy, and civic life. The success of this initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships between government agencies, non-profits, and the private sector to bring meaningful change, according to Aboitiz Foundation.
The organization is hopeful that this partnership with DICT and GDP will spark more initiatives, more collaborations, and more opportunities for students in remote and disadvantaged areas.
“Meaningful progress is possible when we work together,” Hontiveros-Malvar said. “We’re proud to be part of a movement that believes in a future where every learner, no matter where they are, has a chance to succeed.”
As the Philippines continues to navigate its digital journey, programs like “Laptops for Learning” offer a clear blueprint for how we can achieve the Global Goals: one community, one student, and one laptop at a time, she added.
