■ Harley F. Palangchao
Starlink Internet devices were formally delivered in select schools located in the remote areas of Apayao on Feb. 23 by the Cordillera Golfers Foundation, Inc. (CGFI).
Department of Education-Cordillera Director Estela Cariño led officials of the Schools Division Office of Apayao in receiving the Starlink gadgets in Marag Valley, Luna.
Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang witnessed the turnover ceremony which was also graced by CGFI officials led by president Arnel Peil who was assisted by fellow officials Bernard Capuyan, Chaharo Galeng, and Casio Paris, Jr.
Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr., also one of the incorporators of CGFI, thanked the foundation for granting the request of SDO Apayao for the additional Starlink devices, as telecommunication signals are unavailable in some areas.
The donation was courtesy of the P300,000 the group has allocated to the SDO Apayao in a bid to make Internet service accessible to the students and teachers.
Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver Internet thereby, providing high-speed connectivity to users across the globe, including those in far-flung areas.
The CGFI has allocated P2.4 million from the proceeds of its maiden tournament in Baguio in May 2023, of which, the amount was equally divided among the SDOs of Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, Baguio and Tabuk.
Starlink is a satellite Internet constellation operated by private aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 71 countries.
