5 Cebu students get free laptops

CEBU, Philippines — In its continuing efforts to help students cope with the requirements of online learning, Project 54+ gave away five more laptops to student-residents in Cebu City for the month of October.

Since its launch in September, the project has distributed a total of 10 brand-new laptop units to select students who are currently enrolled in any school in the city.

The October 2020 winners were nominated by parents who can hardly afford to buy new laptops for their children.

The lucky recipients are Aalieijah Cazey B. Bastida (Grade 6, Pardo Extension Elementary School), Elizabeth A. Degamo (Grade 10, Don Carlos A. Nothing Memorial National High School), Loren Patrice Pacaña (1st year college, University of Cebu), Shaine Mick Gilig (Grade 11, Mambaling National High School), and Rebecca Marie Zaragosa (Grade 9, Ramon Duterte Memorial National High School, Guadalupe, Cebu City).

"My family burst into happy tears when we knew that I won. It is with great surprise and much joy that I was chosen to receive such a wonderful blessing. You have given me more reasons and chances to learn in this time of 'new normal,'" Zaragoza said upon learning that she won a brand-new laptop.

Initiated by Cebuano lawyer Aristotle Batuhan, Project 54+ aims to assist students as they face the challenges brought about by the online mode of education.

Maic Gilig, who nominated his daughter Shaine, shared how diligent her daughter is in pursuing her studies despite her orthopedic disability.

“She always thinks that having a disability is not a hindrance to achieving her goals in life. She is a consistent achiever since high school. But she has been worrying about online classes because she doesn’t have the gadget to use,” Gilig said of his daughter.

But things changed when Shaine was chosen as one of the five recipients of brand-new laptops from Project 54+.

From September 2020, Project 54+ aims to distribute free laptops and tablets to city students until July 2021.

For November, Project 54+ will be giving away 20 units of Acer tablets. Students who wish to join the contest are encouraged to visit the following Facebook pages for the guidelines — Abante Barangay, Bayan at Kabataan kay Batuhan, and Totol Batuhan. — LPM (FREEMAN)