Some students turn to social media to seek help to purchase laptops for online learning

Amid the country’s transition to online learning due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some students sought help through social media so they can buy a laptop.

According to a report on Stand for Truth on Tuesday, these students raised funds by using the hashtag #PisoParaSaLaptop.

While the opening of classes is set on August 24, Ninette Balatian, an incoming first year college student from Aurora town in Zamboanga del Sur, is not sure if she can go to school because she does not have a gadget that she can use to attend online classes.

However, the #PisoParaSaLaptop project has given her hope.

Balatian is yet to reach her goal of collecting enough money to buy a laptop but she is thankful for all those who have donated.

So far, she has a balance of P120 in her GCash account.

“Nao-overwhelm po ako kasi sino nga po ba ang mag-aakala na mayroon talagang mga taong nagbibigay po talaga? Hindi po nila ako kilala in the first place,” she said.

Angelo Mamis, an incoming second year college student, started raising funds using his Twitter account and has already collected around P20,000.

“Ang pinakamaliit pong nagbigay sa akin is P5 po tapos ‘yong pinakamalaki po, nagulat po talaga ako noon P2,000 po. Tinatawag po nila ‘yong maliit na halaga pero para sa akin, sobrang laking halaga po noon,” he said.

Mamis said the laptop he will be able to buy will be a big help to him and to his two siblings so they can avail of distance learning modules.

Angelika Dalangin, an overseas worker, is among those extending assistance to students like Balatian.

"I'm trying my best to help them kahit very small amount. Lagi nga nilang sinasabi any amount will do," said Dalangin.

It has been four days since Dalangin opened the link for donations and was able to collect more than P5,000, so far.

Department of Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio, meanwhile, said in distance learning the students have options.

"Pwedeng online kung ang bata at pamilya mayroong internet sa bahay. Pero hindi lang online ang distance learning natin," he said.

"Pwede rin kasing offline, digital modular. Ang ibig sabihin nito, kung meron kang laptop o gadget, kahit smartphone na hindi ka magkakaroon ng regular access sa internet, pwede ka makakuha ng learning resources at aralin ito kahit wala kang internet," he added. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News