Aboitiz, Okada Foundations Boost Digital Learning at Agusan Floating School
The turnover of solar and internet connectivity systems through AuroraPH marks a milestone in
expanding access to digital learning for students of Dinagat Elementary School in Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur.
June 05, 2026, Parañaque City, Philippines – Aboitiz Foundation, in partnership with Okada
Foundation Inc., has brought reliable solar power and internet connectivity to a remote floating school community in the marshlands of Agusan del Sur, advancing efforts to expand educational access in one of the Philippines’ most underserved areas.
Through AuroraPH, its flagship education initiative, Aboitiz Foundation recently installed a 5.49-kWphybrid solar power system and satellite internet connectivity at Dinagat Elementary School, providing stable electricity and digital learning access in a community where classrooms rise with floodwaters during the rainy season.
Located in Sitio Dinagat, Barangay San Marcos in Bunawan, Dinagat Elementary School can only be
reached through an hour-long pump boat ride across the Agusan marshlands, where rivers serve as
primary transport routes.
For the students and teachers of Dinagat Elementary School, the arrival of electricity and connectivity represents more than an infrastructure upgrade. It provides access to learning tools, information, and opportunities that remain difficult to reach in many geographically isolated communities.
“At Aboitiz Foundation, we believe that where a child is born should never determine the quality of
education they receive,” said Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar. “Every learner
— whether in a city classroom or in a floating school — deserves the opportunity to learn, connect,
and build a better future.
AuroraPH combines renewable energy systems, satellite internet connectivity, and digital learning
tools to support schools in areas where conventional infrastructure remains limited. With stable power and connectivity, schools can also serve as shared community hubs where residents gain better access to digital services, information, and opportunities often unavailable in geographically isolated communities.
Aurora PH is scaling its reach, with 84 schools currently in the pipeline and a long-term goal of
connecting 300 last-mile schools nationwide to electricity and internet. In the CARAGA region alone,
eight schools have been energized through the initiative, several of them serving remote and
indigenous communities.
Encouraged by AuroraPH’s growing reach and lasting impact, Okada Foundation expanded its
partnership with Aboitiz Foundation through an additional 10-million grant to help bring reliable power and internet connectivity to more last-mile schools across the country.
At Okada Foundation, we believe education is one of the most powerful ways to create long-term
opportunities for young Filipinos, while sustainability helps secure a better future for the next
generation,” said Okada Foundation President James Lorenzana.
“More than solar panels and internet connectivity, AuroraPH is about creating better opportunities for learning, supporting teachers, and helping communities gain access to possibilities that were previously out of reach,” he added.
The initiative also supports Okada Manila’s broader sustainability and community development
commitments under its ESG platform, Okada Green Heart.
City Savings Bank, the thrift banking arm of Union Bank of the Philippines, also donated a flat-screen
television and water storage tanks to Dinagat Elementary School to support classroom instruction and improve access to clean water within the community.
As AuroraPH continues to expand, Aboitiz Foundation and its partners demonstrate how investing in
education creates impact beyond the classroom — opening opportunities for learners and helping
build stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.
For more information about Okada Manila’s wellness and leisure offers, visit https://okdmnl.ph/MoveInBalance.
About Okada Foundation, Inc.
The Okada Foundation, Inc. is committed to providing assistance to three key sectors, namely,
Education Infrastructure, Environment and Health, and Cultural Heritage. It, likewise, maintains
working partnerships with like-minded organizations to provide services for the underprivileged and
marginalized sectors of society.
To this end, Okada Foundation, Inc. has established itself as one of the most generous organizations
in the country, undertaking numerous projects to uplift lives and communities.
About Okada Manila
Okada Manila, a Forbes 5-star destination for seven consecutive years in the Philippines and a Forbes
VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality integrated resort, seamlessly blends unmatched hospitality,
gaming, and entertainment across 30 breathtaking hectares. Known for its unique service philosophy,
Okada Manila combines the warmth of Filipino hospitality with the precision of Japanese excellence,
ensuring every guest feels truly special.
Guests can marvel at The Fountain, a world-renowned water choreography masterpiece, or enjoy the expansive gaming floor—the largest in the Philippines—featuring a wide array of table games and electronic gaming machines. Exclusive clubs like Perlas, Maharlika, and the VIP Club offer elite gaming experiences for discerning guests.
For families, Okada Kids Club and Thrillscape provide exciting and engaging entertainment options designed to cater to both developmental and recreational needs. The Sole Retreat and the Forbes 5-star-rated The Retreat Spa offer sanctuaries promoting wellness and relaxation.
Culinary delights await at over 40 dining venues, and a variety of shopping options at The Promenade ensure convenience and a premium experience at your fingertips.
Business travelers will find state-of-the-art facilities for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), offering well-appointed spaces equipped with the latest technology. Cove Manila serves as an exclusive venue for private events, providing a stunning backdrop for special occasions under a UV-protected dome. The Okada Manila Entertainment Group (OMEG) brings world-class performances to life, enriching the vibrant entertainment landscape.
Guests can stay in one of 1,001 accommodations, each designed for comfort and sophistication. Digital innovations, including the Okada Online Casino and the Okada Manila App, make it easier than ever to enjoy the integrated resort’s offerings.
Unforgettable moments await at Okada Manila.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Van Manansala, Manager – Brand and Product Marketing
+63 998 586 4164
[email protected]
Trisha Escaño, Executive – Media Relations
+63 998 865 9493
[email protected]
About Aboitiz Foundation
Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR arm of the Aboitiz Group, is committed to shaping a brighter future
for the nation. With 35+ years of empowering communities and driving sustainable
development, the Foundation of the Philippines’ first techglomerate is expanding its impact to
contribute to nation-building.
Committed to advancing social development, Aboitiz Foundation focuses on three key pillars:
● Future Leaders: Ensuring Filipino learners of all ages have access to resources, facilities,
and scholarships to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
● Jobs: Empowering Filipinos with digital tools and skills training to thrive in the global
digital economy, fostering an entrepreneurship mindset.
● Climate Action: Developing and implementing environmental programs to construct
climate-resilient communities and foster a more sustainable future through
nature-based solutions.
Since 1988, the Foundation has shifted from one-time donations to Aboitiz Foundation’s
flagship programs, which empower beneficiaries to reach their full potential. By partnering with
strategic partners, the foundation creates projects that are scalable, impactful, and aligned with
the company’s expertise, benefiting communities throughout the Philippines.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Lloyd Revilla
Media Relations Manager
+63 9206162186
[email protected]
Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.