Mayor Greg Gasataya received 500 brand-new computer tablets from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) at the Bacolod City Government Center on Tuesday, Feb 24.
The donation is part of PAGCOR’s regional initiative to equip Visayas cities with tools for modern learning and disaster resilience.
The initiative aligns with the mayor’s priority programs centered on education, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said on Wednesday.
It specifically supports the agenda’s Access to Technology and Education pillars. Instead of direct distribution, the city will integrate the devices into a specialized educational framework, the BCCO said.
During the turnover, Gasataya thanked PAGCOR for selecting Bacolod as a priority recipient, noting the partnership comes as the city expands scholarship programs and classroom facilities.
He emphasized the broader value of the donation beyond the physical devices.
“These tablets are more than just hardware, they represent a bridge for students to access research, online curriculum, and global information that was previously out of reach for many,” the mayor said.
The devices will be utilized through an innovative city initiative designed to maximize reach and impact. The Mobile Learning Center – or “Mobile Library” – will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), bringing digital resources directly to communities across the city.
“These tablets will be integrated into our upcoming Mobile Learning Center project,” Gasataya said
“Our goal is to improve both the access and the quality of education for our children, ensuring that no learner is left behind because of a lack of tools”, he said.
The roving facility will include internet connectivity and modern learning software, targeting underserved areas where students lack consistent access to computers or high-speed data at home.
The units are part of PAGCOR’s nationwide Corporate Social Responsibility program for host cities with long-standing partnerships. The devices will not only enhance learning quality but also serve as a safety net for education during calamities that disrupt in-person classes, the BCCO said.
Gasataya reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a tech-ready generation of Bacolodnons, adding that the city will continue seeking partnerships to ensure all students have equal opportunities in the digital world.*
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