To further drive digital inclusion among Filipinos, thirteen (13) women graduates of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc.’s (Smart) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) pilot training program for livelihood received desktop units to help them apply their new skills to support their families.

“We at PLDT and Smart recognize the crucial role of technology in bridging the many gaps in our society today, that’s why we have made it a part of our mission to drive digital inclusion among Filipinos, especially women. This is just the beginning, and we hope to bring this program to more women, mothers, carers, and other sectors so that we can uplift as many lives as possible through technology,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

Powered by PLDT and Smart, in collaboration with Filipina Homebased Moms (FH Moms), Life Haven Center for Independent Living, and Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV), this particular IDEATe training program trained women with disabilities and carers of family members who are persons with disabilities. The training was designed to enable these women to take on remote tech jobs to augment their income sources, fulfill their dreams, and improve their lives, while juggling their responsibilities at home, just like Carolina Lorido and Melane Palma. 

A retired overseas Filipino worker and carer of her child with autism, Lorido earned the highest score in the first batch of the training session. The 62-year-old single mother shared that her goal is to work using the skills that she has learned from the program, while staying at home to care for her child. “This program gave me a big opportunity, which I will never forget,” she said.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Palma shared that she had a difficult time at first. “Thankfully, there were recorded videos that I could stop and play, so that I could keep up with the tasks.” A mother of a child with cerebral palsy, she expressed her gratitude to PLDT and Smart, and to the partners, particularly FH Moms, who helped her get an internship. “They did not only give us this chance to learn, but also provided us with a connectivity package, and now, desktops that we can use to complete our work.”

PLDT and Smart’s IDEATe programs underscore the PLDT group’s commitment to contribute to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. [END]