Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recognizes the critical role internet access plays in education. In response to the rising cost of the Internet and the digital divide it creates, Converge is launching the BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program to bridge the gap for underprivileged students.
“While we serve millions with high-speed internet, many Filipinos remain unserved. This includes students who risk falling behind globally, as shown in surveys like PISA [Programme for International Student Assessment]. We believe free internet can empower underprivileged students to reach their full potential and become productive future citizens,” according to Converge President and Co-founder, Maria Grace Uy.
The BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program aims to combat learning poverty by providing FREE Internet access to ten (10) deserving Senior High School students enrolled in public schools and pursuing the STEM track.
This initiative aligns with Converge’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 1: No Poverty. Converge actively supports education, evidenced by its 2021 Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance remote learning during the pandemic.
The BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program is open to incoming Grade 11 students in public schools who:
- Are enrolled in the STEM track
- Rank within the top 10% of their graduating class
The scholarship offers FREE BIDA Fiber internet access for the entire academic year, providing a vital learning tool and fostering equal access to educational resources.
Addressing the Cost Barrier
This scholarship comes at a crucial time when internet affordability remains a significant challenge in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the Philippines has the highest monthly internet cost among ASEAN-5 nations (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) at over PHP2,000 (US$44.93). The World Bank reports that annual fixed broadband charges in the Philippines consume 11% of Gross National Income, double the ASEAN average.
Converge addresses this barrier with the BIDA Fiber Postpaid Plan, the most economical option in the market. At PHP888 per month, it offers 75 Mbps speeds for up to six (06) devices with no data caps.
Applications for the BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program are open until 10 July 2024. Scholarship awardees will be announced on 30 July 2024.