PARANGLUMBA, SIAYAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — DigiPlus Foundation and GameZone are helping make education more accessible for Subanen learners in remote communities in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, with the opening of the new A+ Dorm for Subanen Learners on August 8, 2026.
The dormitory was made possible through the spearheading support of DigiPlus Foundation and GameZone, with an additional ₱100,000 personal contribution from Mr. Jasper Vicencio, Board of Trustee of DigiPlus Foundation and President of GameMaster Inc. The project was implemented in partnership with Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop Inc. (FSMMI), with the support of the local government of Siayan, the Tribal Council of Elders, and members of the Subanen community.
The ceremony coincided with the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop and was held a day before the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9.
The A+ Dorm was established to address one of the significant challenges faced by Subanen learners: distance from school. For children living in remote communities, traveling several miles each day to attend classes can be physically demanding, costly, and time-consuming, often leaving less time and energy for studying and other school activities.
For DigiPlus Foundation and GameZone, supporting the A+ Dorm is part of their commitment to creating opportunities for Filipino children and youth, particularly those in communities where access to education remains challenging.
“It is more than just a building. It is also a home, a place that provides safety, comfort and hope for our children and youth,” said Angela Camins-Weineke, Executive Director of DigiPlus Foundation. “Our greatest hope is that every Subanen young person who stays here will have the opportunity to rest, study and, most importantly, dream.”
She added that the project reflects the organizations' belief that a child's opportunity to learn should not be limited by distance or circumstances.
“We believe that education can open doors and change the trajectory of a young person's life. Through the A+ Dorm, we hope to help remove one of the barriers that Subanen learners face while creating a space where they can pursue their education with greater comfort, safety, and dignity,” Camins-Weineke said.
The initiative also supports DigiPlus Foundation's commitment to Multiply the Good by bringing together private sector partners, community leaders, government, and nonprofit organizations to create meaningful and sustainable opportunities for communities.
FSMMI President Rey L. Anugon expressed appreciation for the support extended by DigiPlus Foundation and GameZone in making the dormitory possible. “For many Subanen children, the desire to study is strong, but financial difficulties and distance continue to create barriers,” Anugon said. “The A+ Dorm gives them a greater opportunity to stay closer to school, pursue their studies and work toward their dreams.”
Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon Sr., municipal Indigenous Peoples mandatory representative and tribal chieftain of the Subanen Tribe of Siayan, said the dormitory will help young learners pursue their aspirations while remaining connected to their culture and identity. “The A+ Dorm will help our children pursue their education, reach their dreams and build a better future while remaining proud of their identity and heritage,” he said.
The A+ Dorm reflects what can be achieved when organizations and communities come together around a shared goal: ensuring that distance, limited resources, and other barriers do not prevent Indigenous children from accessing education and pursuing their dreams.
As the Subanen Tribe of Siayan joins Indigenous communities around the world in commemorating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the new dormitory stands as a symbol of opportunity, partnership, and hope for the next generation of Subanen learners.
Through the A+ Dorm, DigiPlus Foundation and GameZone continue to multiply the good by helping create pathways for young Filipinos to learn, dream, and build a better future.
About DigiPlus Foundation
DigiPlus Foundation, formerly known as BingoPlus Foundation, is the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the pioneer and leading digital entertainment powerhouse behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. Registered and licensed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a social welfare and development agency, the foundation is committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the Philippines through programs focused on education, healthcare, inclusive empowerment, livelihood, and disaster resilience, guided by its purpose of multiplying the good. For more information, visit www.digiplusfoundation.org
