OFW developer builds free software hub to support Filipino students

A Filipino full-stack developer developer based in Abu Dhabi is helping students, teachers, and aspiring professionals in the Philippines be able to access free digital tools through a platform designed to lessen dependence on expensive software subscriptions.

Abakada.org, created by Ramon Logan Jr., serves as a curated directory of open-source software focused on education, productivity, design, and development.

The platform was born out of Logan’s own struggles as a student who could not afford licensed software needed for coursework.

“During my college years in the Philippines, my daily allowance left no room for licensed software,” Logan told GMA News Online, recalling how he spent hours searching scattered websites for free alternatives.

Now working full time in the United Arab Emirates, Logan said he builds the platform alone during nights and days off, driven by the belief that technology and learning tools should be accessible regardless of income.

The website currently contains more than 1,200 free and open-source tools organized into over 45 categories and eight thematic groups. These include alternatives to widely used paid software.

Beyond listing software, Abakada.org also provides users with a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the platform depending on their needs.

Education platform

For students, the guide recommends starting at the homepage and browsing by category to look for tools related to schoolwork, presentations, writing, design, or coding.

Users are encouraged to bookmark useful applications, compare similar software, and follow “learning paths” for structured skill-building.

The suggested workflow for students includes:

• opening the homepage and selecting a category;
• exploring tools related to a subject or project;
• bookmarking useful tools for future use;
• comparing similar options before deciding; and
• following a learning path for guided learning.

Teachers, meanwhile, are encouraged to use the platform to find free classroom-friendly tools for lesson planning, collaboration, presentations, and student activities.

The platform also advises educators to compare tools before recommending them to students, bookmark reusable applications, and use learning paths for training and classroom skill-building.

For general users, Abakada.org recommends browsing tools based on need rather than software name, opening multiple listings for comparison, and building a personalized toolkit through bookmarks and guided learning tracks.

The website also features curated directories, comparison tools, bookmarks, and multilingual support in English, Tagalog, Bisaya, and Ilokano.

Logan said the platform was designed to remain usable even in areas with slow or inconsistent internet connectivity.

Caution against risks

Logan also warned against the risks of downloading pirated software, saying many students unknowingly expose themselves to malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and data theft because legitimate software remains too expensive for ordinary families.

Despite operating independently and without major funding, Logan said he hopes to expand partnerships with schools, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

“My goal for Abakada.org in the next 5 years is to become the primary digital library with digital learning paths for every Filipino student,” he noted.

“Most importantly, I want it to be a place where money is never a barrier to learning technology, and it remains free forever.” — BAP, GMA News