SIKAT scholars from EDC’s partner communities are ready for online learning after receiving their Asus laptopsEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) tapped Taiwanbased multinational electronics and computer company Asus to provide free laptops worth at least P2 million to its 110 scholars.

EDC corporate social responsibility-public relations head Atty. Allan Barcena said under SIKAT, the company’s banner education program, the key priority is to provide quality education to underprivileged yet deserving students from partner communities in all sites across the country to allow them to become successful individuals, help their families break out from the cycle of poverty and contribute to nation-building.

“This is in line with our current thrust of forging collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future, which will only happen if we help elevate our partner communities, including our SIKAT scholars,” Barcena said.

“We thank Asus for this partnership and for being enablers of a brighter future for our scholars. More than P2.86 million worth of premium laptop donations to our scholars will surely help them in their educational endeavors,” Barcena added.

Asus expressed gratitude to EDC for the opportunity to share their product for a cause that will not only benefit the scholars individually but also a larger number of people in their community.

“In today’s new normal setup for education, learning and sharing knowledge can be accomplished anytime, anywhere. We at Asus Philippines, with the help of Energy Development Corporation’s team, are here to provide the students and even our hardworking teachers with total education solutions through our innovative, very efficient and 100% educationready products, particularly our laptops, both for learning and teaching,” said George Su, Asus Philippines country head.

The laptops will be distributed to the scholars from EDC’s different partner communities in its geothermal areas in Leyte, Negros Island, Bicol and Kidapawan, North Cotabato as well as in Ilocos Norte.

EDC also provided each scholar with one unit of pocket WiFI for their internet connection during synchronous classes and for research purposes. (Story/Photos by: Gabrielle Marie Binaday)