Docomo contributes $178,500 to PSS for library laptops

Recognizing the importance of using digital technologies to enhance learning and expose students to new ways of thinking, Docomo Pacific is purchasing $178,500 worth of laptops for use in the CNMI Public School System.

A check presentation was made to PSS administrators last June 15 at the Aqua Resort Club Saipan.

The donation forms the second phase of Docomo Pacific’s “One Marianas Initiative” to reinvest in the CNMI’s local communities. Recent studies have shown that the “homework gap” can disadvantage students who may have internet service but lack ready access to their own laptop. Docomo Pacific’s donation is intended to address this gap.

The contribution will be used to purchase a total of 210 state-of-the-art laptops: 10 laptops for each of the 21 PSS libraries in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Bobby Cruz, director of Instruction of Technology at PSS, said that PSS is always excited to work with community partners like Docomo Pacific.

“Any contribution to support the 10,000-plus students in our district is greatly appreciated. Docomo’s contribution will support our school libraries throughout the CNMI,” said Cruz. “This is particularly valuable as libraries are a central hub of learning for students, so through this donation of tech resources, our students will have more resources to support learning. We’re grateful for this opportunity, and we hope to strengthen our partnership even more in order to promote 21st century libraries in the CNMI.”

Dino Manning, vice president and general manager of Docomo Pacific, said that they worked closely with PSS leadership to determine areas where a monetary contribution would have the biggest impact.

“We wanted to use our resources and provide laptops that students could use to help bridge the homework gap,” said Manning. “Whether it’s providing even the youngest students with early knowledge of skills in typing to basic research to graphic design, we’re excited to enhance their learning experience through the use of technology. We appreciate all that our schools do for our children in our community, and we want to do our part to contribute to their success.”

Roderick Boss, the incoming president and chief executive officer of Docomo Pacific, said that being a strong community partner and improving the communities where Docomo Pacific serves is a major component of its “Better Together” promise.

“We’re happy to connect our students to 21st century technologies that will help build skills and confidence to thrive in the digital world,” he said. 

Docomo Pacific expressed its gratitude to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Victor Hocog, the Legislature, along with Saipan Mayor David Apatang, Tinian Mayor Joey San Nicolas, and Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig for their support of Atisa, Docomo Pacific’s state-of-the-art submarine fiber-optic cable connecting Guam and the CNMI.

Docomo Pacific’s “One Marianas Initiative” is a five-year program of significant community investments in the areas of healthcare, education, and public safety in the CNMI. This initiative is a result of a public-private partnership between Docomo Pacific and the CNMI government.

On June 8, Docomo Pacific contributed the first of five annual installments totaling $250,000 to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. to develop and maintain an Electronic Health Records system for patient care. Phase three will consist of a check presentation to the Department of Public Safety and will be announced soon. (PR)