As the Philippines moves toward a more digital future, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is helping bridge the digital divide by introducing underserved Filipino youth to STEM, coding, robotics, and emerging technologies.
The company launched its youth tech literacy program, “TechForGood: Code the Future, Build New Paths,” in Oriental Mindoro in June, in partnership with NGO Stairway Foundation Inc. and software research and development company LAYERTech Labs.
From Telco to Techco: A Strategic Evolution
The initiative supports Converge’s evolution from an internet service provider into a technology company focused on using innovation for social good.
Converge Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado said the program aims to familiarize students with emerging technologies while providing them with basic knowledge in software programming and robotics.
Democratizing Tech With Open-Source Solutions
Albay-based LAYERTech Labs helped deliver the robotics and coding workshops, using bipedal robot kits powered by open-source programming language to make technology more accessible and sustainable for students.
The sessions prioritized:
- Boys from Stairway Foundation and Puerto Galera Academy
- Girls from Baclayan Mangyan School and Stairway Foundation
LAYERTech Labs President and Founder Frei Sangil said the program seeks to bring technology to communities that need it most without worsening existing social inequalities.
Hands-On Empowerment in the Community
The program adopted a hands-on approach to equip both students and community leaders with practical technology skills.
The workshop was divided into three parts:
- Train the Trainers: Stairway officers and Baclayan community coordinators learned to assemble and code robots, preparing them to mentor students in future sessions.
- Building From Scratch: Students worked in teams to physically assemble robots from the ground up.
- Bringing It to Life: Students connected the robot circuits to computers and applied basic coding models to operate their creations.
Stairway Foundation Baclayan Development Officer Jonalyn Onde said the program complements the organization’s ICT initiatives, which teach children basic computer skills and help prepare them for high school and future opportunities.
A Deepening Alliance for Child Advocacy
The robotics workshop builds on the partnership between Converge and Stairway Foundation that began in 2023.
The collaboration initially focused on connectivity and digital access through donated tablets and computers, alongside efforts to protect children from Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
It has since expanded to include digital advocacy efforts involving:
- Data privacy protection
- Online fraud prevention
- Digital literacy
- Bridging the educational digital divide through robotics and coding
Through #TechForGood, Converge is helping young Filipinos gain the skills and confidence to participate in the digital economy, demonstrating that building a digital nation goes beyond connectivity—it also means empowering the next generation to innovate and create a better future.
