PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) assure recently appointed Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara of their continued support in helping the Department of Education (DepEd) improve the country’s Basic Education system under its five-point agenda.

“PLDT and Smart’s digitally-enabled education programs can help the DepEd address focus areas and promote inclusive and equitable quality education for all. As advocates of ‘Technology for Good’, we are committed to ensure that there will be no learner and no teacher left behind,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

In a courtesy call with Secretary Angara, PLDT and Smart presented their flagship education program – School-in-a-Bag (SIAB). Each SIAB package includes a laptop and Smart LTE Pocket WiFi for teachers, ten tablets for students, educational apps in local languages, a guide for teachers, as well as learning materials stored in flash drives.

Accompanying each SIAB deployment is an orientation to the PLDT and Smart-supported Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP), a crisis-resilient teaching strategy which helps develop independent learners with the help of the CVIF DLP Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) that break down complex concepts into simple lessons that students can easily follow. This method works particularly well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education where a strong familiarity with foundational ideas is crucial to appreciate more advanced topics.  Dr. Christopher Bernido, CVIF DLP founder, Theoretical Physicist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, was also present to share his experiences with the changing education landscape. With more than two decades of overseeing the implementation of the innovative program, Dr. Bernido also talked about developing important values that will allow learners to adapt to disruptions.

The meeting was also an opportunity to explore other areas of collaboration, on how PLDT and Smart can further help the DepEd create a safe and thriving space for children. These included conversations on internet safety where the PLDT Group’s #BeCyberSmart initiatives help protect Filipinos from scams and other forms of cyber-attacks, and advocate for children’s rights by fighting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). PLDT and Smart also empower teachers in the digital age with a series of trainings on Artificial Intelligence and other advanced skills needed for technology-aided teaching.

PLDT Group’s education programs are aligned with the DepEd’s key priorities under Secretary Angara. The agency’s five-point agenda prioritizes boosting learners’ foundational skills in reading, math and science to improve Filipino students’ performance in international large-scale assessments, professional development of teachers, employing digital innovations to augment existing teaching strategies, ensuring senior high school graduates are ready for employment, and improving educational infrastructures and resources.

PLDT and Smart create and support various educational initiatives in line with their commitment to helping the nation achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education. Furthermore, PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to develop technology that seeks to advocate for child protection are grounded on their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, particularly in ending the abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.