29/06/2025
iyak na mga dds
Marcos brings Starlink to Marawi to bridge digital divide, Elon Musk gives it a thumbs up
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has thrown his support behind the Philippines’ push for digital inclusion, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to Marawi City, where he personally oversaw the rollout of Starlink internet kits to conflict-affected schools.
The CEO of SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet network, gave a global nod of approval by reposting the news of the President’s initiative, effectively spotlighting the Philippines’ bold step to revolutionize education in the Mindanao region.
During his visit to Barangay Sagonsongan on June 23, 2025, President Marcos personally delivered and supervised the installation of Starlink satellite internet at Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS)—facilities currently serving more than 720 students displaced by the 2017 Marawi siege.
The high-speed, low-latency Starlink connection is expected to dramatically improve access to online learning resources, modern teaching methods, and digital tools.
Beyond the initial installation at the TLS site, Marcos pledged to distribute additional Starlink units to four more schools in remote parts of Marawi: Bangon Elementary School, Bacarat National High School, Angoyao National High School, and Cabasaran Primary School.
The move marks a bold step in integrating underserved communities into the digital future, a message that resonated globally and caught the attention of Musk himself.
The President’s mission to Marawi went beyond digital connectivity. His office also handed out school bags with essential supplies to every student in the TLS sites—addressing both technological and material needs.
This integrated approach supports the administration’s larger objective of narrowing the education gap in geographically isolated and economically challenged areas through innovative digital solutions.
The global recognition from Musk follows an earlier diplomatic and technological engagement. In May 2025, First Lady Liza Marcos and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda visited SpaceX’s Starlink facility at Cape Canaveral, where they witnessed the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket deploying Starlink satellites.
The visit also introduced Philippine leaders to cutting-edge connectivity solutions, cybersecurity developments, and strategies for bringing internet access to remote or disaster-prone areas.
The First Lady emphasized the urgency of building a more inclusive and connected Philippines.
