Bridging gaps, building dreams

The Biaan Aeta Integrated School in Mariveles, Bataan is turning a new chapter in its inspiring history with the arrival of sustainable power and internet access through AuroraPH, an initiative designed to help bridge the educational and digital divide in the Philippines.

Through solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and Wi-Fi, a school that began outdoors under trees with makeshift learning aids is now better equipped to address the evolving needs of its students, including members of the indigenous Aeta Magbukún community alongside non-indigenous Tagalog learners.

“Noong na-interview po namin ‘yung mga katutubo, ang isa sa hiniling nila ay magkaroon ng paaralan dito. Halos 99% ng mga katutubo dito noon ay hindi nakakabasa [at] hindi nakakasulat. Kaya noong 2005, nag-start po kami na mag-conduct ng literacy program,” recalled Mariquita A. Banal, head teacher and former principal of Biaan Aeta. 

(When we interviewed the indigenous people, one of their wishes was to have a school here. Almost 99% of the indigenous community here couldn't read or write. That's why in 2005, we started a literacy program.)

“Sa tulong ng DepEd (Department of Education) at Mariveles district, naitayo ang Biaan Aeta Integrated School,” she explained. 

(With the help of DepEd and the Mariveles district, we established the Biaan Aeta Integrated School.)

In its early years, the school dealt with power issues, from securing electricity access to eventually shouldering its costs. An intermittent internet connection, coupled with limited learning tools and instructional materials, further compounded its struggles.

“Napakahirap po para sa amin kasi wala po talagang signal. Naaawa ako kasi syempre nahirapan sila, lalo na sa research,” observed Laarnie P. Oliveros, a senior high school teacher at Biaan Aeta. 

(It’s really difficult for us because there is absolutely no signal. I felt bad for them because they were struggling, especially with their research.)

Still, the school persisted, thanks to the determination of its students and teachers.

“Kitang-kita ko naman po talaga na nahihirapan po sila. Mama ko. Street sweeper po siya sa barangay. Gusto ko po silang maiahon sa hirap,” said Arianne Khaye G. Perio, a Grade 8 Aeta student who dreams of becoming a nurse.

(I can really see that my mom and the rest of the family are struggling. She’s a street sweeper in the barangay. I want to lift them out of poverty.)

“Pagdating po sa pag-aaral, masasabi ko pong 100% po akong masipag mag-aral.” 

(When it comes to studying, I can say that I am 100% hardworking.)

“Isa po sa mga reason ko kung bakit pursigido po akong magturo rito dahil po sa mga bata. Nakikita ko sa kanila ‘yung dedication nila na talagang ‘yung pag-aaral nila gusto nilang makapagtapos,” Teacher Oliveros added. 

(One of the reasons I am so determined to teach here is because of the children. I see their dedication—they truly want to finish their studies.)

Last July 2025, AuroraPH arrived at Biaan Aeta, renewing the hopes of students and teachers alike. 

The initiative was implemented in partnership with Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center and GNPower Dinginin, together with non-profit GivePower, private companies Starlink and Huawei, as well as DepEd and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

AuroraPH is a flagship education and connectivity initiative by Aboitiz Foundation that aims to support 300 off-grid, last-mile schools across the Philippines with solar power, internet systems, digital learning tools, and capacity building.

Biaan Aeta is the first on-grid school to benefit from the initiative, enhancing its existing infrastructure to reduce electricity costs and significantly improve online connectivity via Starlink, which uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide internet access without relying on traditional cables or cell towers.

“Napakaswerte natin dito. Napaka-privileged natin dahil may mga katulad ng Aboitiz na handang tumulong sa mga kabataan na nandito,” Teacher Oliveros said. 

(We are very lucky here. We are very privileged because there are companies like Aboitiz that are ready to help the children here.)

“Mayroon na silang access sa Wi-Fi. Mas madali para sa mga bata na mag-research, lalo na po iyong mga Senior High School students namin. May mga research silang ginagawa na kung saan hindi na sila kailangang bumaba pa sa bayan para lang mag-search,” she added.

(They now have access to Wi-Fi. It’s easier for the students to conduct research, especially our senior high school students. They no longer have to travel to town just to look for information.)

Since AuroraPH installed solar PV systems that now power 12 classrooms, the school has recorded a 60% reduction in its electricity bill. With the savings, Biaan Aeta invested in CCTV cameras.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa Aboitiz Foundation and AboitizPower. ‘Yung tulong nila talagang tuloy-tuloy,” Teacher Banal said. 

(We are deeply grateful to Aboitiz Foundation and AboitizPower. Their support has been continuous.)

“Natupad nila ‘yung isa sa mga pangarap namin na ‘yung mga bata rito sa paaralan ay maging globally competitive. Na kahit kami ay nasa bundok, hindi kami nahuhuli. Kaya pa lang mangyari ’yon sa Biaan Aeta,” she added. 

(They fulfilled one of our dreams—for the children here to become globally competitive. Even though we are in the mountains, we are no longer left behind. We now know that this is possible for Biaan Aeta.)

AuroraPH has helped more than 80 schools across the country, benefiting over 9,000 students. It is aligned with both national development goals and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for "Quality Education," or ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

“Ang pinagpapasalamat ko po sa AboitizPower ay binago nila iyong buhay namin bilang estudyante tsaka po mas pinadali po nila iyong pag-aaral namin,” young Arianne said. 

(What I’m most grateful to AboitizPower for is that it has transformed our lives as students and made studying much easier.)

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Aboitiz Power Corporation.