The Aboitiz Foundation and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), have turned over a full AuroraPH education package to Biaan Aeta Integrated School (BAIS)—marking the first time the program has been implemented in an on-grid public school.

AuroraPH, launched in 2024, is the Foundation’s flagship education program aimed at closing the digital and learning gap in last-mile schools by providing solar-powered electricity and internet access. The initiative is in partnership with GivePower, Starlink, Huawei, the Department of Education (DepEd), and TESDA.

“This support means everything to me, our teachers, and our learners. BAIS used to be an overlooked school, but now we can perform side-by-side with the rest,” said BAIS Principal Mariquita Banal.

Mariveles Mayor Ace Jello Concepcion highlighted the power of private sector collaboration: “Partnerships with the private sector, like what we have with AboitizPower, can be transformative. BAIS, once a remote and overlooked school, now stands as a model of what’s possible when we work together.”

DepEd Bataan Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Carolina Violeta added: “Aboitiz Foundation and AboitizPower don’t just offer short-term help; they plant the seeds for long-term progress. The solar panels and enhanced internet connection they’ve provided are more than infrastructure—they’re sources of inspiration and catalysts for educational transformation.”

While the program has primarily served off-grid communities, BAIS was chosen as the pilot for its potential to demonstrate how the initiative can benefit even grid-connected schools. With reduced electricity costs and improved digital tools, the school aims to significantly enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

“We want to help more and more schools. It’s a promise to illuminate pathways and unlock opportunities for both learners and educators,” said Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education Jowelle Ann Cruz. AuroraPH aims to reach 100 schools by end-2025 and 300 by 2027.

Following the turnover, personnel underwent training on solar system operation and maintenance through AboitizPower’s AdventEnergy. Teachers will also participate in “Project Pera-parasyon,” a financial literacy program by City Savings Bank.

AboitizPower holds a 78.3% effective interest in GMEC and a 70% effective interest in GNPD—two major coal-fired power facilities operating in Mariveles, Bataan.

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