In a special ceremony held just recently, Sen. Drilon, along with GILAS, represented by Ayala Foundation President Victoria P. Garchitorena and the provincial government of Negros Occidental, represented by Gov. Albert Marañon, turned over the 40 Internet-connected schools to the Department of Education. The grant was undertaken under the GILAS (Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access for Students) project, a multi-sectoral consortium that aims to provide computers and Internet connectivity to public high schools across the Philippines. Currently, out of the total 113 public high schools across Negros Occidental, there are now a total of 75 public high schools, including the 40 school beneficiaries, which are now connected to the World Wide Web.


Representatives from the 40 public high school beneficiaries as well as officials of the local government, from the Schools Division of Negros Occidental and the Regional Director of the Department of Education also trooped to E.B. Magalona High School in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental for the ceremony. “We have to accept the fact that the Internet is not anymore a luxury but a necessity,” said EB Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson. “But the reality is, not all public high schools can afford computers and Internet. That is why we are very thankful to Ayala Foundation and Sen. Drilon for bringing us this wonderful gift.”  E. B. Magalona National High School is the Host school for the turnover program.  It was connected by GILAS (Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access for Students) project in 2007 through the donation of Seafood City, a Filipino supermarket chain in the United States.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon was equally thankful. “Madamo gid salamat Sen. Drilon, Ayala Foundation,” said the Governor, speaking in the local dialect. “I would like to assure you of my whole hearted support for this project.”