PH, Israel open a new digital learning hub in Manila

The Department of Education is pushing for the modernization of our public education system by opening a new digital learning hub in Manila just ahead of the upcoming school year. Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh led the official launch of the new Information and Communications Technology Learning Resource Center at Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Pandacan.

Built through a direct partnership with the Embassy of Israel to mark the nation’s Independence Day, the facility highlights decades of diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. Referring to the project as a very kind gesture, Angara noted that “it builds on the existing good relations and good history that the Philippines and Israel have had together [nang] matagal na, ilang dekada na po (for many years, decades).” The embassy has also committed to assisting with the long-term management of the hub so that students can continue accessing its digital tools even after regular school hours.

During the launch, Angara pointed to Israel as an ideal model for innovation, noting its significant spending on national development. He explained that “it’s very timely because Israel is known, 6 percent of its GDP in R&D, innovation, and education, something the Philippines would emulate.”

The Philippines is working to mirror this focus as national education spending recently reached 4% of the country’s GDP for the first time. This project directly aligns with orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to eliminate disparities in technological literacy. Angara explained that the President is determined to ensure public school students receive the exact same high-level digital skills, resources, and learnings typically found in expensive private schools, stating that he doesn’t want only the rich to be able to access high-quality education.

Inside, the space is fully equipped with modern computers, digital learning tools, collaborative furniture, and a dedicated reading area. The facility is designed to serve a dual purpose, allowing students to conduct research and build modern technical skills while simultaneously giving teachers a proper platform to blend technology into their daily lesson plans.

Beyond digital infrastructure, the education department is also using this increased state funding to tackle the country’s persistent classroom shortage. Angara acknowledged that the administration’s aggressive budget implementation is finally showing tangible progress after years of minimal funding, stating that the President has poured in significant budgeting that should push it forward.

He concluded by that while the massive infrastructure gap cannot be fixed overnight, sustained efforts will yield long-term results. There is a clear directive to proactively bolster the country’s educational systems in the next decade.