PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) onboarded teachers of Eduardo Barretto, Sr. Integrated School (EBSIS) in Calamba City in the province of Laguna to the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP) in preparation for the country's return to the June-March school days.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier bared plans to revert to the old school calendar following the suspension of face-to-face classes due to the searing summer heat.

“The CVIF DLP is the perfect teaching pedagogy to help schools adjust to disruptions. Aligned with the Dep Ed’s MATATAG curriculum, the student-focused teaching strategy addresses the entire spectrum of learners while reducing teaching personnel requirements,” said Stephanie V. Orlino AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

While the initial plan called for a gradual shift in two years, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had requested the agency to implement the change as early as year 2025. To accommodate this, the DepEd will condense school days for the upcoming school year 2024-2025 by 15 days.

Supported by PLDT, Smart, and the PLDT-Smart Foundation, the crisis-tested CVIF DLP had helped schools cope with major interruptions brought about by the global pandemic and extreme temperatures. Central to the program is the CVIF DLP Learning Activity Sheet that simplifies complex topics into a single-page worksheet. The pandemic-tested teaching pedagogy allows students to learn at their own pace with minimal teacher intervention.

“With topics decongested to optimize learning, teachers can effectively impart essential competencies to students within the condensed timeframe through CVIF DLP. By continually assessing student progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed, educators can ensure that students receive the support and guidance necessary to succeed academically,” said Susan D. Samson, EBSIS principal.

Samson welcomes the school calendar shift. EBSIS also had to implement asynchronous classes after the heat index in the area reached dangerous levels. “The proposed calendar adjustment will sidestep the peak of the summer heat, thus ensuring a more conducive learning environment for both students and faculty,” she added.

The CVIF DLP highlights PLDT, Smart and PSF’s commitment to inclusive quality education through Information and Communications Technology, content, pedagogy, and capacity building to ensure that there is #NoLearnerLeftBehind. The initiative is also aligned with the PLDT group’s broad program to help the country achieve UNSDG 4 on Quality Education.