A call for Unilab employees to donate old and unused computers and peripherals has led to the turnover of 13 laptops that would now benefit 109 former out-of-school youth in Novaliches, Quezon City.

From October to November 2023, Unilab’s Corporate Information Technology (CIT) division and the United Eco Council promoted the E-Waste to E-Learning Campaign among Unilab employees to make a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. 

In the spirit of Bayanihan, several employees responded to this call and donated 24 printers, 19 laptops, 3 keyboards, 3 desktop computers, 2 monitors, and 1 projector.

Reducing waste, aiding learning

The collected items were then assessed as to whether they can be refurbished for donation, or if they must be disposed of properly. Eligible devices underwent a thorough sanitation process, ensuring they are fresh, of good quality, and fit for use. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have heard of students having low grades just because they don’t have access to a personal computer or to the internet,” said Operating Vice President and Head of CIT Mr. Francisco Eduardo C. Ortega IV. “Through the E-waste to E-learning campaign, we can support learners by breathing new life to old PCs.”

Thirteen laptops were recently turned over to Alay Kapwa Community Schooling (AKCS). The donated laptops will benefit the109 learners enrolled in AKCS who are former out-of-school youth.

AKCS is a church-based Alternative Learning System for out-of-school youth and young adults between 15 to 30 years old, enabling them to complete their basic education. Graduates of the program are also equipped with industry-standard technical and soft skills that will help them gain internship and employment opportunities. AKCS is led by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines Caritas Filipinas Foundation, Inc. or simply Caritas Philippines.

“Since the program was launched in 2022, we have been in dire need of computing devices to help our learners keep up with their lessons,” said AKCS Program Manager Mr. Benjamin Custodio. “These laptops will surely help our learners, especially those in Grade 12, for their internship.”

Present during the handover ceremony were CIT and United Eco Council representatives.