On September 30, 2025, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck, with its epicenter located offshore northeast of Bogo City in northern Cebu, causing widespread destruction across Regions VII and VIII.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), families across Bogo, Tabogon, Medellin, Daanbantayan, and Bantayan were among those affected by the earthquake. Among them were 11 families of PNPh students, who faced severe challenges, including limited access to clean and safe water and significant structural damage to their homes. These post-disaster conditions posed serious threats to their health and recovery.

Responding to the Needs of Affected Communities

On October 2, 2025, PNPh initiated an online donation drive to support families affected by the earthquake. The donation drive aimed to address these critical needs and provide support to families as they faced the difficulties brought by the disaster. We appealed to the generosity of our community to help these families overcome the challenges they were experiencing and support their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Through the online donation drive, we raised a total of Php 28,444.08 locally and $169 internationally during the first wave of contributions. These funds were utilized to purchase relief packs that included sacks of rice, canned goods, noodles, medicine, water, and a rechargeable lamp.

Bringing Support Directly to PNPh Student Families

On October 4, 2025, the PNPh team set out on a lengthy journey of over 12 hours to personally deliver relief packs and provide support to 11 families of our students in the affected areas of Bogo, Daanbantayan, and Tabogon.

The visit allowed the team to bring assistance directly to PNPh student families who were among those affected by the earthquake and to witness firsthand some of the challenges they were facing in its aftermath.

The response was made possible through the generosity of the PNPh community and donors who came together to support families during this difficult time.

Continuing the Response

PNPh’s earthquake response reflects our commitment to supporting our students and their communities in times of need. The generosity of donors helped turn the call for support into concrete assistance for families affected by the disaster.

To learn more about the donation drive, funds raised, relief efforts, and the support provided, please read the full PNPh Earthquake Response Report below.

On March 12, 2026, Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh), in partnership with the University of San Jose–Recoletos, successfully held the Internship Fair 2026 at the 14th Floor of the USJR Quadri-Centennial Building in Cebu City. The event gathered PN scholars from Class 2026 and industry partners for a full day of meaningful engagement, aimed at connecting students to real-world opportunities in the ICT sector.

The program opened with welcome messages from PNPh’s academic partner and training team, highlighting the importance of bridging education with professional experience. These opening remarks underscored PNPh’s commitment to equipping its scholars with not only technical competencies but also the confidence and readiness needed to thrive in the workplace.

Throughout the morning, partner companies including Accenture, Alliance Software, CBTW, Datawords, Geidi, House of IT, and Narrasoft introduced their organizations and shared insights on internship opportunities, workplace expectations, and the evolving demands of the tech industry. These sessions provided students with valuable perspectives on career pathways and the skills required to succeed in a competitive digital landscape.

The afternoon session continued with presentations from additional partners such as Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Viseo, and Kyocera, further enriching the learning experience of the scholars. The event then transitioned into its most interactive segment—booth visits and on-the-spot interviews—where students had the opportunity to directly engage with company representatives, ask questions, and present themselves as potential interns.

More than a career event, the PNPh Internship Fair 2026 served as a platform for empowerment. It enabled scholars, many of whom come from underserved communities, to access opportunities that bring them closer to sustainable employment. By fostering direct connections between students and industry, PNPh continues to strengthen its mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education and professional integration.

PNPh extends its sincere gratitude to all partner companies and supporters who contributed to the success of this initiative. Their continued collaboration plays a vital role in shaping the future of PN scholars and opening doors to meaningful careers in the digital economy.

Through initiatives like the Internship Fair, PNPh reaffirms its commitment to building bridges—from learning to livelihood—and empowering the next generation of IT professionals to create lasting impact in their communities.

Following the Internship Fair, applications are currently ongoing, as scholars continue to undergo screening and selection processes with partner companies. The internship program is expected to begin around June 2026 and will run for approximately six months, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in real work environments and further preparing them for full-time employment in the tech industry.

Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh) proudly celebrated its 13th Commencement Exercises on January 25 at the USJR Quadricentennial, honoring the remarkable achievements of 66 graduates from the Class of 2025 under the Associate in Computer Technology – Software Development program.

Guided by the inspiring theme, “From Learning to Leading: Building the Digital Future,” the ceremony recognized the graduates’ journey of growth, resilience, and readiness to make their mark in the digital world.

Highlights of the Celebration

The event featured several notable moments that made it both meaningful and memorable:

Message from PN Global acknowledging the graduates’ accomplishments and emphasizing the mission of PNPh in empowering youth through digital education.

Confirmation and Pinning of Graduates, marking their transition from students to emerging digital leaders.

Special Awards Presentation, including:

Best in Capstone – Awarded to a group 

• Cheed Valigano

• Deniel Mendoza

• Fierce Vladimir Tio

• Fionna Samantha Escarro

• Angela Mae Villaester

• Radel Agsalud

Leadership Award

• Janno Crisostomo 

General Academic Award

• Rosana Wandasan

Medal of Excellence Award

• Norkent Ricacho

Adding further distinction to the ceremony was the keynote address by Rudy Guiao, Accenture CIO Lead for APAC and PN Board Member. His insights inspired graduates to lead with purpose, integrity, and innovation as they step into the digital future.

As you step into the digital future, lead with purpose, integrity, and innovation. The skills and knowledge you’ve gained are your tools to make a meaningful impact.” Guiao said.

Honored Guests and Partners

The commencement was graced by PNPh’s valued partners, including SPI PLDT & Smart Communities, PNPh board members, PNPh President Dr. Caridad Labe, Board Member Agnes Gervacio from Connected Women, Bryan Ramones representing the PN Alumni Association, Fr. Celiz, President of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, SCS Dean Jovelyn Cuizon, and other distinguished guests. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to education, social impact, and the empowerment of the next generation of digital leaders.

PNPh also extends heartfelt gratitude to all partners who have supported the Class of 2025 throughout their journey, including AFD – Agence Française de Développement, Accenture Philippines, Arcanys, Metrobank Foundation, EMpower, Flarego, Tito and Tita Kepte and many more. Their guidance, collaboration, and trust have been instrumental in helping PN scholars succeed and thrive in the digital landscape.

Celebrating the Graduates

The 13th Commencement Exercises not only celebrated academic achievement but also honored the dedication, resilience, and potential of PNPh graduates. These young leaders are now equipped with the skills, confidence, and vision to shape the digital future and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Your journey has only just begun, and the digital world awaits your leadership and innovation.

66 graduates with PNPh Staff

CEBU, Philippines – Each year, PNPh conducts a comprehensive year-long selection process to identify the next cohort of students who will enter our life-changing 2.5-year program. This initiative is centered on empowerment through IT education, holistic training, and social support.

This year’s selection cycle reflects the extensive dedication of our Selection Team, with outreach spanning 8,125 Information Session Attendees, 1,239 Exam Takers, 380 Motivation Interviewees, and 211 Home Visits.

Following careful deliberation, 70 outstanding young changemakers were selected from across the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

On July 18 and 19, 2025, we officially welcomed Class 2027 at the PNPh center in Mabolo, Cebu City. Since 81% of these students hail from rural provinces, their new home in Cebu provides a vital gateway to achieving their dreams. They will pursue an Associate Degree in Computer Technology, majoring in Software Development, in partnership with the University of San Jose-Recoletos.

As the new academic year begins this August, PNPh would like to sincerely thank our valued partners: PayPal for providing essential school supplies and Synchrony for contributing hygiene kits for our incoming class.

Now in its 16th year, the PNPh program continues to forge futures and create opportunities, steadfastly advancing our mission of uplifting talented yet underserved youth throughout the Philippines.

88 graduates received a Certificate in Computer Technology, Major in Software Development under the auspices of the degree-granting institution USC, concluding 2.5 years of dedication and perseverance as PN scholars.

PNPh leaders and partners delivered motivational speeches during the ceremony. Ms. Marilou Flores, Country Director, welcomed the graduates with words of encouragement, reminding them of the heights they can achieve despite life’s challenges.

From France, Ms. Phuong Do, PN Global Executive Director, and Ms. Aurelie Bureth, Deputy Director, acknowledged their delight in the graduates’ accomplishments, emphasizing the countless opportunities that await them.

This year’s Medal of Excellence Award was unanimously chosen, and the honor went to a remarkable individual who truly stood out. Throughout her journey as a PN scholar, she excelled academically and emerged as a community leader, a 1st-century individual. Her dedication, resilience, and leadership made her a role model for her peers. She is Anne Castro, a young lass from Daan-Bantayan; a shining example of what it means to dream, lead, and inspire.

The Best in Capstone Award was given to Syvert Jay Matorinio, Anne Castro, Carmel Mae Sombilon, and Micaella Angela Lara for their project entitled “EnerVision: Empowering Homeowners in Energy Management Through a Mobile Solution and Community Platform”. Their project EnerVision, introduced a mobile application designed to help users, including homeowners, renters, and individuals, manage their energy use effectively.

This year, Chielo Elguerra, who represents PN’s core values, was proudly given the PN Leadership Award.

Be brave,
Be bold.

Find something
that moves you”

Taken from Guest Speaker Mr. Jeff Tamayo’s speech, the One Meralco Foundation President congratulated each individual for this momentous feat and reminded the changemakers to give back to PN and the community in the future.

For more information about the event, click the link here: