Globe investing P338 million for cell sites in Cebu schools

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is investing P338 million to build new cell sites in 26 schools in Cebu as part of its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).

Globe said it is embarking on a landmark partnership with DepEd Cebu to support online learning initiatives.

Under the memorandum of agreement, DepEd Cebu will offer its premises free of rent for the cell sites.

Globe, for its part, will furnish DepEd schools in the province with free broadband and WiFi services.

The 26 new cell sites will provide internet connectivity to around 36,000 students and 1,550 teachers and neighboring communities.

“The Philippines is falling behind in terms of remote learning. Many students are still struggling to keep up with their classes due to a lack of connectivity tools to help them meet school requirements,” said Peter Maquera, senior vice president for Globe Business.

“The establishment of more cell sites will mean better access to quality education for students and a digitally-enabled future for families. This project with DepEd Cebu Province is a first of its kind—a proof that progress amplifies when two or more organizations work together in reaching their goals,” Maquera said.

Through the partnership, DepEd hopes that more students would be able to fulfill their educational requirements amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

“We are now in the digital age where internet connection is already a need, not a want. We look forward to working closely with Globe in building the cell sites that will help our staff, students, and even their families gain improved access to the internet,” DepEd Cebu Province regional director Salustiano Jimenez said.

Globe and DepEd have long been partners in integrating information and communication technologies in the country’s education system.

Last year, Globe and DepEd worked together in providing teachers and students with free access to DepEd Commons, which contains online review materials and open educational resources authored by public school teachers.

Globe also assisted DepEd in training educators for distance learning through a modified series of webinars under its global Filipino teachers program.

Globe spent a total of P19.1 billion in capital expenditure in the first quarter and was able to build a total of 318 new cell towers and install over 287,000 high-speed lines.