By offering its technology solutions and earmarking $250,000 (P12 million) grant, Google has stepped up its efforts in supporting the Philippine education sector as it transitions to hybrid learning. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented children from going to school which led to the adoption of distance learning.

Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, earmarked $250,000 grant to assist grantees INCO Education Accelerator and Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) design a capacity building program that will enable educators to deliver distance learning in two modes — online and through the production and distribution of printed modules supported by SMS and regular consultations.

Recently, Google Philippines held a two-day webinar in an effort to introduce and familiarize educators with the available digital tools that can assist them in the sudden transition to online teaching.

Google PH partners with DTI to assist entrepreneurs to scale their businesses

Google PH’s new campaign aims to strengthen digital safety efforts

“We strive to help by offering the best of our technology,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director, Google Philippines. “Rest assured that we will continue to find ways to contribute (to the Philippine education sector).”

Google Philippines is also working with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the national deployment of G Suite for Education, a set of free productivity tools built for teaching and learning. Google said it is committed to helping train teachers in using the online tools to make it easier for them, and the students as well, maximize the available free tools.

“Education is important and we are joining hands with different organizations to find ways for our youth to continue learning amid the pandemic while ensuring the safety of our teachers and students,” said Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

Together with the National Educators Academy of the Philippines, Google and DepEd will be training regional IT officers to become Google Certified Trainers and Admins to manage and distribute the accounts to the students. School heads will also be trained to fully equip them to lead digital transformation in their institutions.