The one-classroom computer laboratory in Butig National High School is complete with computer units, computer tables and chairs, air conditioner, toilet facilities and other amenities.
Caught in the crossfire between Maute rebels and government forces, Butig National High School in Lanao del Sur turned into a battleground four years ago, leaving in shambles what had been the only computer school in the province. Not until PLDT came in, to help rebuild it. Four years on, Butig National High School is back up and running, and ready to serve its students in a pandemic under the new normal.
With the help of PLDT, the new computer laboratory will enable students and teachers to have adequate access to learning resources and innovative technology. The donation becomes a technical hub for students where they can develop competencies on programming and hardware servicing.
In partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the donation includes 20 refurbished computer units. It also has a set of teacher’s table and chair, two toilets for male and female and 45 seats for students.
“PLDT is a strong advocate of equal learning opportunities for all. Amid the pandemic, we want to ensure that schools are provided with the best tools and resources as they transition to blended learning. In partnership with the PBSP, we hope that the computer laboratory will enable the students and teachers of Butig National High School to enhance their digital skills and competencies,” said PLDT Community Relations Head Katherine P. Diaz De Rivera.
INSIDE VIEW OF THE COMPUTER LABORATORY. Since the curriculum on computer-related courses require both hands-on and theoretical applications, there will be occasions that the computer laboratory will become a lecture-type room as well.
The computer laboratory was funded by the Balik-Baterya Program of PBSP and Motolite, in which PLDT is the biggest donor. The project was supported by the Municipality of Butig; the Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur; the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Division of Lanao del Sur II; the Philippine Army 49th Infantry Battalion; and Butig National High School.
“Prior to the pandemic, PBSP and PLDT have been working together to help address the issues of poverty and exclusion. The town of Butig, Lanao del Sur was a central flashpoint for underdevelopment and violent extremism. Heeding the call of the community and other stakeholders, PLDT’s response to bridge the gaps in education and digital literacy are necessary tools out of poverty. It is even more relevant during this time of the COVID pandemic where blended learning will be needed,” said PBSP President and CEO Reynaldo D. Laguda.
Moreover, the donation has greatly contributed in bringing change to the community. Through the efforts of PLDT and PBSP, more support from the private sector and other organizations has poured in. These corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects have become a symbol of peace and development in Butig. Old residents have come home and settled in this small part of Lanao del Sur located in the South of Marawi City.
With 16 barangays, Butig has been the cradle of the Maranao civilization. It is also known to be the oldest community in mainland Mindanao.
