The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, expressed appreciation to Unconnected.ORG. for their generous donation of four STARLINK dishes. The donation was made to improve internet access for selected pilot public high schools, benefitting parents, teachers, students and local communities.
The donation was officially recognized during a Zoom meeting, where DepEd Regional Director Ma. Ines Asuncion and NOCCI Caraga FreeWifi Coordinator Ret. Labor Attache’ Ponciano Ligutom also witnessed the event.
NOCCI Commends Unconnected.ORG for STARLINK Donation to Boost School Connectivity in Negros Oriental
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), under the leadership of President Edward Du, has formally expressed its appreciation to international non-profit Unconnected.ORG for donating four STARLINK satellite internet dishes. This pivotal donation is set to enhance digital connectivity for selected public high schools in remote areas of Negros Oriental.
The STARLINK dishes, part of a pilot initiative, aim to bridge the digital divide affecting rural learners, teachers, and their communities. The donation underscores a shared commitment to equitable education through technology and reliable internet access.
A virtual recognition ceremony was held via Zoom to honor the partnership. The event was attended by NOCCI President Edward Du, DepEd Regional Director Ma. Ines Asuncion, and NOCCI Caraga FreeWifi Coordinator and former Labor Attaché Ponciano Ligutom. During the meeting, stakeholders emphasized how crucial connectivity has become in the current education landscape.
“This generous donation represents a milestone in our ongoing efforts to bring quality education closer to marginalized communities,” said President Du. “Improved connectivity empowers not only students and teachers but also entire families in underserved areas.”
Each STARLINK dish provides high-speed satellite internet, ensuring reliable connectivity even in the most geographically isolated schools. With this, learners can access online learning materials, teachers can participate in professional development sessions, and schools can improve administrative efficiency.
Unconnected.ORG, known globally for championing digital inclusion, chose Negros Oriental as a strategic pilot site because of NOCCI’s proven track record in advancing regional development initiatives. Their collaboration reflects a mutual vision of harnessing technology for social equity and economic progress.
DepEd Regional Director Ma. Ines Asuncion lauded the initiative, describing it as a “transformative step toward a future where no student is left behind due to poor connectivity.” She added that this public-private partnership demonstrates how collective action can resolve persistent infrastructure gaps in education.
The STARLINK equipment will be deployed in phases to four selected high schools, chosen based on the lack of existing internet infrastructure and their potential to become models for rural e-learning. Each recipient school will receive training on how to manage and maintain the hardware to ensure long-term connectivity and operational sustainability.
In his remarks, Ret. Labor Attaché Ponciano Ligutom emphasized that internet access today is a necessity rather than a luxury. “In this digital era, strong connectivity can change lives—expanding learning opportunities, improving employment potential, and building stronger communities.”
NOCCI’s involvement in this initiative is consistent with its ongoing digital transformation advocacy. Over the past years, the Chamber has supported projects related to e-commerce, digital skills training, and ICT infrastructure development. By facilitating partnerships like this one, NOCCI plays a vital role in bringing strategic tech solutions to the grassroots level.
According to President Du, strengthening connectivity in schools is not only a matter of education—it also contributes to long-term economic growth. “When we invest in our youth and equip them with the digital tools they need, we are building a more competitive, tech-savvy workforce for the future.”
The impact of this project will be closely monitored, with results and success stories expected to inform future expansions of the program. Should the pilot phase prove successful, Unconnected.ORG and NOCCI are prepared to explore further collaborations that could benefit more schools across the province and possibly beyond.
In a statement, Unconnected.ORG reiterated their mission of connecting the unconnected and acknowledged the importance of working with trusted local partners. “We believe that connectivity is a fundamental right in today’s world. Our partnership with NOCCI shows how local leadership can drive meaningful change,” said a representative from the organization.
Beyond the technical benefits, the initiative is expected to foster greater collaboration among students, educators, parents, and local government units. Improved school connectivity can pave the way for blended learning, cloud-based lesson plans, virtual school management systems, and even remote mental health support for students.
As the province continues to embrace innovation and inclusivity, the STARLINK project stands out as a timely and impactful intervention. NOCCI’s continued commitment to community development and technological empowerment reinforces its leadership role in shaping a connected and resilient Negros Oriental.
In the coming months, the rollout of STARLINK across the four high schools will serve as a benchmark for other provinces aiming to improve educational connectivity through private-public partnerships. NOCCI hopes the success of this model will inspire similar initiatives across the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
With focused execution and sustained support, this program is a significant leap forward in ensuring that all students, regardless of their location, benefit from fast, stable connectivity—unlocking their full potential in a digitally connected world.
