In a significant boost for digital inclusion in one of the Philippines' most remote areas, Ticao Island in Masbate has welcomed a state-of-the-art technology learning center. The initiative, led by the DigiPlus Foundation, aims to directly address the stark digital divide faced by island communities that are often the first to be hit by typhoons and last to receive technological upgrades.
A Lifeline for Island Education
The DigiPlus Foundation, previously known as the BingoPlus Foundation, has officially inaugurated its fourth FutureSmart: PLUS Center at the Liceo de San Jacinto Foundation (LSJF). This move, finalized in January 2026, is a strategic response to the persistent lack of access to technology and digital learning tools for students in this isolated part of the Bicol Region.
LSJF is not just any school; it is the sole educational institution on Ticao Island offering tertiary-level programs. It serves a critical role, educating nearly 90% of the island's student population. This includes approximately 400 junior and senior high school students and a further 2,200 college students, making it the undeniable cornerstone of advanced learning for the entire island.
Transforming a Lab into a Gateway
Dubbed the "PLUS Center for Technology," the project involved a complete transformation of the school's outdated computer laboratory. It is now a fully equipped, modern digital facility designed to meet current industry and educational standards. The center provides the essential tools for both educators and learners to gain practical, hands-on experience, strengthen digital literacy, and build skills relevant to today's evolving job market.
"Our goal is to bridge the digital divide and skills gaps through targeted capacity-building and infrastructure investments," explained DigiPlus Foundation Executive Director Angela Camins-Wieneke. She highlighted the foundation's community-specific approach, citing past projects like empowering persons with disabilities in Cebu and aiding solo parents in General Santos. "We are grateful to extend this mission and deliver the same impact to Masbate," she added.
Community-Wide Impact and Future-Proofing
The upgrade has been met with enthusiasm from local academic and government leaders, who see it as a pivotal step in elevating the island's educational standards. Dr. Francisco P. Altarejos, Chairman of LSJF and Mayor of San Jacinto, emphasized the necessity of evolution. "These new computers allow us to deliver quality, future-ready learning," he stated, noting the upgrade expands access, enhances instruction, and equips students for the digital economy.
The center's benefits are designed to ripple beyond LSJF's campus. It is expected to support other schools in Ticao Island's four municipalities, community-based programs, and livelihood workshops, fostering island-wide growth.
Local mayors echoed this sentiment. Mayor Marco M. Cam of Batuan asserted, "Access to technology is no longer a privilege; it is a necessity for inclusive growth." He believes the modern tools will strengthen the community's capacity to compete and innovate globally.
For the students, the center symbolizes tangible hope and opportunity. Zoren Almodiel, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Education student at LSJF, captured the sentiment: "This is an investment in our dreams. These computers turn 'sana all' into real opportunity... This upgrade empowers us to actively participate in the digital age, regardless of where we come from."
Ultimately, the PLUS Center for Technology represents a long-term investment in Ticao Island's future—strengthening education, supporting community development, and building resilience. This milestone underscores DigiPlus Foundation's commitment to creating sustainable impact in the nation's most underserved communities.
