Globe Internet in Schools program prepares students for global education

MANILA, Philippines - Globe believes in preparing young people for tomorrow’s global arena. That is why education is one of the main pillars of its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) program Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom). Over the years, Globe BridgeCom has embarked on projects like the Internet in Schools Program (ISP) that help make technology more accessible to Filipino students and give them better quality education.

Through ISP, Globe has successfully utilized its broadband technology to provide free internet access for one year to public schools in areas serviceable by Globe. ISP has been instrumental in helping schools prepare its students to be globally competitive — introducing them to internet literacy skills and giving them access to loads of information available on the internet. Since its launch in 2001, Globe BridgeCom has historically connected more than 950 public schools to the internet.

ISP has also pioneered the use of the latest Information Technology (IT) platforms such as WiMAX (Wireless Inter-Operability for Microwave Access) in the classrooms. In 2006, Globe provided free WiMAX internet connectivity to Governor Ferrer Memorial National High School in Cavite, making it the first public school in the country to be connected through the high-speed wireless broadband technology of WiMAX.

WiMAX is the newest and cutting-edge wireless broadband technology offering by Globe. Through WiMax’s larger coverage and higher bandwidth performance, internet has now become available to previously unserviceable areas. WiMAX can cover greater distances and is 33% faster and 25% more affordable than other broadband providers.

Another milestone came in July 2009, when Globe BridgeCom in partnership with the US Agency for International Development-Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) connected six public schools in Zamboanga City to WiMAX. Don Pablo A. Lorenzo Memorial National High School, J-Jireh School, Southcom National High School, Sinunuc Elementary School, Zamboanga City High School (Main Campus), and Sinunuc National High School hold the distinction of being the first WiMax-connected schools in Mindanao.

Other schools connected by Globe to WiMAX are North City Central School in Cagayan de Oro City in partnership with Cong. Rufus Rodriguez and Jose P. Rizal Elementary School in Dasmariñas Cavite in partnership with Optus Australia, its offshore BPO, 24/7 Customer, Inc., and World Vision.

In addition, three Makati City public schools are set to be connected with WiMAX before the year ends — La Paz Elementary School, Palanan Elementary School, and San Antonio National High School.

Globe ISP is part of the CSR efforts of Globe geared towards putting up sustainable development projects in the various communities that it serves.