For decades, Fr. Benigno Beltran SVD, has worked where few would think technology could thrive, which was among the narrow streets and crowded homes of Tondo, Manila.
In a community once defined by its mountains of waste, he has built something enduring: a place where faith meets innovation, and learning finds its second chance.
The Sandiwaan Center for Learning, which he founded in Smokey Mountain, began as a small ministry to serve out-of-school youth. It started simply with informal classes and a handful of volunteer teachers who believed that education could transform even the harshest environments.
Over time, the mission grew with the city around it, now incorporating AI-powered tools like ESL (English as a Secondary Language), developed by Sandiwaan Center for Learning, which help students grasp new concepts faster and more interactively.
“New wine, new wineskins,” Fr. Beltran told PhilSTAR Tech in an online interview, quoting from the Gospel of Mark. “Bagong panahon, bagong pamaraan ng pagtuturo.”
From dumpsite to digital frontier
Long before “digital transformation” entered the national vocabulary, Sandiwaan was already experimenting with new ways to keep young people learning.
“Nagsimula kami ng non-formal education. Hanap namin, mahilig sa technology ‘yung mga bata,” Fr. Beltran recalled.
That insight, recognizing how students were drawn to gadgets, became the foundation of a new model for education. What began with donated computers evolved into a partnership with the Department of Education’s Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE).
Today, Sandiwaan trains more than 400 teachers to use AI-powered learning tools and reaches 21,000 learners across the country.
Teachers in Sandiwaan’s programs have undergone structured AI training, including workshops introducing the DIWA Virtual Teacher’s Assistance, which is now being used by teachers for planning their lessons.
As a tool, AI has become an important component in learning for both educators and learners at the center.
But most importantly, Fr. Beltran sees it as a bridge for those who once fell behind.
“Thirty-six percent of dropouts, sabi ng DepEd, lack of interest to learn. Nabo-bore sila sa klase. Kaya inintegrate namin ang AI-powered apps — buhay nila ‘yun eh.”
Faith and fiber optics
Inside Sandiwaan’s classrooms, old chalkboards meet glowing tablets — a fusion that mirrors the philosophy of its founder. For Fr. Beltran, integrating technology isn’t just about modernizing education; it’s about meeting young people where they are.
“Hindi nabubuhay na walang digital yan. I-angkop mo yung pagtuturo mo sa kanila,” Fr. Beltran said.
Among those teaching this way is Andro Macalalag, a former altar boy turned learning facilitator. He remembers the early days when lessons meant scavenging for supplies and teaching with whatever they had.
“We are serving the poorest among the poor. I believe that is how my soul will be saved,” Macalalag said.
Over the years, he has seen learners rediscover hope through simple breakthroughs: the first time they use a computer, pass a module, or finish a school year they once thought was out of reach.
“Every year, it’s eye-dropping tears. Then sometimes, I get messages of thanks from those who made it. That makes me the happiest person being their mentor,” He said.
Joanna Marie Garcia, 23, is one of those students. She first heard about Sandiwaan from her uncle, whose child graduated through its ALS program.
“Ang pinaka-masayang karanasan ko sa SCL ay nung ako ay naka-graduate ng elementary. Dahil sa tulong ng aming butihing guro na walang sawang nagtuturo sa amin araw-araw.”
Now continuing her studies as a junior high school learner, Garcia says SCL helped her rediscover both her confidence and her dream to finish school.
“Nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na mas lumawak pa ang aking kaalaman at mangarap sa buhay,” she said.
“Kaya nung ako ay nakapasa sa elementarya, ipinagpatuloy ko ang JHS upang ako ay makatapos.”
A place that learns with its people
Sandiwaan’s mission stretches beyond classrooms and connectivity. Many of its students, like Janelle Laxamana, 20, say the center helped them grow both academically and emotionally.
“Nakatulong sa akin ang SCL na maging mas tiwala at magsalita sa pagpapahayag ng aking mga ideya,” Laxamana said.
“Nilagyan ako nito ng mas mabuting gawi sa pag-aaral at mas malawak na pag-unawa sa iba’t ibang paksa.”
Her favorite memory was when her group won a school competition. “Nakakatuwang makita ang aming mga ideya at pakikipag-isa. Talaga pong hindi kami pinabayaan ng aming mga guro.”
Macalalag sees this same spirit every year — teamwork and mentorship forming the fabric of their lessons.
“We don’t just teach subjects,” he said. “We teach them that they matter.”
For both Garcia and Laxamana , moments with Fr. Beltran leaves lasting impressions.
“Naaalala ko noong si Fr. Ben nagbigay ng inspirasyon tungkol sa katatagan,” Laxamana said. “Ang kanyang mga salita ay nag-udyok sa akin na magtiyaga at huwag sumuko sa aking mga layunin.”
Moreover, Garcia recalled the SCL Sports Fest, where Fr. Beltran stayed the entire day, cheering for every team.
“Ramdam ko po ang kanyang suporta sa bawat isa. Nandun siya simula ng umpisa hanggang sa matapos.”
Their stories affirm Fr. Beltran’s belief that digital learning must remain rooted in compassion.
That is why even with limited resources, Sandiwaan pressed on. Fr. Beltran said the center continues its work despite the financial challenges that often come with maintaining education programs for underserved communities.
“Service provider kami ng DepEd. Gusto kong marating yung kalahating million na out-of-school youth after three years,” Fr. Beltran said.
New wine, new learners
At 79, Fr. Beltran remains one of the country’s unconventional educators. His theology and technology often intertwine, one shaping the other.
“Bago yung kabataan, bagong uri ng human beings yan,” he said. “Tagal nang sinabi ng Panginoon ‘yan.”
He believes that adapting to the times is not a compromise but a command. His model blends AI-driven tools with human mentorship, ensuring that learning remains both intelligent and compassionate.
His long-term goal is ambitious; to reach ten million out-of-school youth across the Philippines.
“Lahat na ng Pilipino, ‘yan na bata, marating mo, marunong ng AI at saka digital,” he said. “Marami ng makikinabang sa kanilang kaalaman, maganda para sa bansa.”
