Volunteer and SM Retail IT personnel Mark Ramos, who started as self-IT started in high school, pursues his mission to help bring computer and digital literacy closer to Filipino students.
Many schools in the country continue to struggle with computer access for their students, with multiple learners often sharing a single unit. This challenge is even more critical in rural areas, where limited devices and unreliable internet connectivity widen the technological gap.
This disparity threatens to leave countless Filipino students at a disadvantage as the world rapidly shifts towards digital integration in both education and professional fields.
The SM Group and Mastercard aim to bridge these gaps through the rollout of DigiHub in Philippine public elementary schools, including Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas, Tuba Central School in Benguet, Jugan Elementary School in Cebu, and Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro.
On the ground, volunteers and IT professionals like Mark Ramos from SM Retail have been instrumental in bringing this social initiative to life.
When personal experience becomes a professional purpose
Setting up the DigiHubs. SM employee-volunteer Mark unboxes one of the desktops from the partnership of Mastercard and the SM Group. Mark is joined by teachers and students from the Lemery Pilot Elementary School and SM Foundation School building program head Juris Soliman and program manager Greg Baclea-an.
Mark’s passion for technology was ignited in his high school years when his family acquired their first computer. “Repairing a computer back then was very costly, especially for a humble household like ours,” he recalled.
Instead of letting technical issues stop him from using his computer, he took matters into his own hands. “Back then, I would just research how to fix the computer, and I eventually discovered that’s what information technology is all about—continuous learning,” he reflected.
After a year of joining the SM Group, his team leaders presented him with the volunteering opportunity for the groundwork of the DigiHubs. He initially took on the task of conducting site visits and feasibility assessments for establishing the hubs in schools.
“During the site visit, teachers shared that the ratio of students to computers was not proportionate. Several students would use one computer, which made it challenging for teachers and students alike,” he shared, explaining why the project became close to his heart.
His involvement has taken him across the Philippines—from site visits in West Visayas and Benguet to computer installations in Batangas, Benguet, and Cagayan de Oro.
A personal mission
Together with his colleagues, Mark carefully evaluated the best options for students to ensure that the DigiHubs will foster students’ interest in tech.
After witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by schools in providing adequate computer access, the project became his personal mission. He carefully evaluated the best options for students, considering factors like internet connectivity and selecting applications that maximize learning opportunities.
“During our first test run, I saw how the students eagerly interacted with the computers. You could literally see their eyes glimmer with excitement. They immediately explored the computer, tried different software like Microsoft Word, and began typing away,” he shared.
His passion for the program grew stronger as he worked closely with students and teachers. “Causes like these are very important, especially in today’s competitive world,” he said. “Even if students don’t have computers at home, teachers noted that having enough units at school would greatly build students’ digital learning foundation.”
“Throughout the project, I was driven by the idea that if students had the same computer access I had, they would have a fair opportunity to explore the world of information technology. Now, they can explore and compete in tech-related fields in the digital age.”
Even after the DigiHubs were officially turned over, Mark remained grateful for the opportunity. He now eagerly awaits the next chance to share his skills for a greater cause.
“I am grateful to SM Foundation, SM Retail, Mastercard, and my leaders in the IT Service Operations Teamfor opening this opportunity to me and my colleagues. This experience allowed us not only to lend a helping hand but also to harness our IT skills in meaningful ways—to bridge the gap in computer and digital literacy for young students who might otherwise face barriers to accessing these essential tools. By giving them the skills and confidence to navigate a digital world, we hope to spark possibilities for their futures.”
