PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently turned over desktop computers to Bolo Elementary School (Bolo ES) in Maasin, Iloilo, as part of their commitment to enhancing the learning experience of Filipino children through technology.
Bolo ES is a mountain school located approximately eight kilometers away from the Maasin town proper. Despite challenging circumstances, the school ensures that it provides quality education to its over 150 learners, and strives to equip them with the basic skills needed in this digital age.
“We at PLDT and Smart have long recognized the role of technology and connectivity in education. We are grateful for the partnership with Bolo ES and LGU Maasin, which enabled us to introduce our education programs to their community and push for inclusive, quality basic education so that no learner is left behind,” said Charmz Cadena, Smart Customer Development Manager for South and North Iloilo.
Apart from providing additional learning tools, PLDT and Smart also pre-loaded the desktop computers with CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) learning activity sheets (LAS). CVIF-DLP is a crisis-resilient teaching pedagogy that encourages the use of LAS among students and children to improve learners’ academic performance. Additionally, PLDT and Smart will also conduct CVIF-DLP training for the Bolo ES teachers to further develop their teaching strategies.
Mirriam M. Fajardo, Principal I of Bolo ES, expressed her gratitude for this initiative which will assist the teachers and learners, including children, in implementing their ICT literacy program for elementary students. “This remarkable contribution will have a profound impact on our learners, providing them with the technology they need to thrive in today’s digital world. With these tools, our learners will be able to explore new learning horizons and develop necessary ICT skills,” she said.
“PLDT and Smart have previously supported our learners in barangays Trangka and Dagami through their School-in-a-Bag program and donation of raincoats and slippers. Today, we thank them for returning to our municipality to continue supporting our efforts to bridge the digital divide in education,” said Councilor John C. Mondejar of LGU Maasin.
PLDT and Smart’s effort to reach and empower schools in hard-to-reach communities is part of the Group’s #NoLearnerLeftBehind advocacy and supports its commitment to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 on Inclusive Quality Education.
