PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) donated FarmSmart kits and refurbished laptops to the local government of Inabanga, Bohol, as part of their ongoing commitment to fostering digital upskilling and sustainable development within communities.

“Empowering communities with technology-driven solutions is the core of our mission. The donation of FarmSmart kits and refurbished laptops respresents our commitment to fostering progressive communities, including in the Municipality of Inabanga,” said Marylou Gocotano, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head.

The FarmSmart kits, a pioneering effort by PLDT and Smart, aims to revolutionize agricultural practices within the municipality and supplement the larger Feed Back program initiated by the Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK) which the municipality had participated in.

Each FarmSmart kits contains SmartBro LTE Pocket WiFi and flash drives pre-loaded with comprehensive learning materials focused on urban gardening techniques and basic lessons on smartphone usage.

ARK’s Feed Back program champions the cultivation of vegetable gardens at households, not just as source of sustenance but also as a means to generate additional income. By enabling families to grow their own food, the initiative addresses or prevents hunger and malnutrition prevalent in these communities.

Apart from the LGU, barangays Cawayan and Sto. Rosario, two of best-performing barangays which were part of the Feed Back program in Bohol, also received FarmSmart kits. Beyond providing connectivity support, the kits equip these barangay communities with the necessary digital tools and knowledge to enhance their farming techniques and optimize selling opportunities.

Expressing gratitude for the vital contributions of PLDT and Smart, Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy said: “We are very thankful for PLDT and Smart for these donations. These are not just digital devices that will assist in their daily operations, but this will also help address hunger. It would help our Feed Back communities move forward with their selling ventures, increase their income, and develop new products.”

This initiative of PLDT and Smart underscores their commitment to empower communities and drive sustainable progress. This is also aligned with their efforts to help the Philippines attain the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger and UNSDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.