Envisioning the country where no learner is left behind, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) advocates for education for all through its 16th MVP Academic Excellence Awards program. The PSF provided scholarship grants to 179 dependents of PLDT and Smart employees.
The MVP Academic Excellence Awards consists of a one-time grant of P20,000, P30,000 and P50,000 for elementary, high school and college scholars, respectively. A scholarship grant of P50,000 is also awarded to children with special needs.
PLDT and Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, who is also the Chairman of the Board of the PSF, congratulated this year’s scholarship recipients. “Despite the difficulties you faced during this critical time, you made it through, and with flying colors. Congratulations! Your determination, perseverance and hard work brought you to where you are now – a lighthouse of hope for all of us, a symbol of dreams fulfilled,” Pangilinan said.
“This year has been challenging for all of us, but our dear scholars, I hope that you continue to champion hope and positivity, especially during this tough time. May you stay inspired and motivated as you continue to work even harder to reach your dreams,” said PSF President Esther Santos.
“To our scholars, you are chosen among many in the year when the world changed. This is when you learned resilience, patience and the ability to grow. This is the year you have built your foundation,” said PLDT Group People and Chief Officer Gina Ordoñez.
Adapting to the digital age of learning
The pandemic has ushered in a new normal, where people are increasingly shifting to the digital age. The education sector is adapting to the new normal of teaching, which is the blended learning system to enable students and teachers amid the health crisis.
During the MVP Academic Excellence Awards, three keynote speakers shared their knowledge and expertise on how best to adapt to the blended learning system and ways to enrich the digital learning experience.
Teacher Iona Mapa completed her Masters of Education in Monash University and has trained and practiced in the specialty of individualizing teaching strategies to maximize each child’s potential. She works with students, parents and schools to overcome barriers of e-learning and to continue growth and excellence in the new normal.
According to Mapa, it is important to create a study habit and a routine when it comes to studying, especially during online classes. The path to learning and excellence is not linear. It is important to find one that best suits the student. “This is a new era, a new time of learning that has never been done before. These students are trailblazers. Students can rewrite which path works for them. Students are realizing that there are so many new ways to learn,” Mapa said.
David Esteban is an educator who has an extensive experience in the development and implementation of transnational programs across basic education, vocational education and training and higher education at the bachelor and graduate levels. Esteban is the Director and Deputy Head of School of the Australian International School, which through a partnership with Haileybury School, delivers the Victorian Certificate of Education.
Esteban shares his expertise on the blended learning system, which is becoming even more relevant in this digital age. “A lot of us have been forced into blended learning, but I believe that it’s going to be a positive, lasting change in education for all of us, which will allow us to enable students that are able to take control of their learning. It will also provide them access to all manner of content as we move forward,” Esteban said.
Mon Isberto, PSF Trustee and Tech Lolo, provides tips on how “learning how to learn” is essential in the distance learning set-up. This means that students should become independent learners. “This particular process is one where a student’s creativity is utilized. More than anything, the key learning here is that it provides the basis for students to become life-long learners,” Isberto said.
Since 2004, the PSF has recognized the outstanding achievements of the dependents of the employees by supporting their education through financial assistance.
