PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) have been recognized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) for being their long-time partners in professional and academic excellence in the engineering industry.
This recognition also marks almost two decades of the PLDT, Smart, and PUP partnership under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), the first and longest-running industry-academe linkage in the Philippines established in 2003.
“Leveraging our network and technology, PLDT and Smart continue to create meaningful and long-lasting impact on Filipino communities through our partnerships. We believe in the collective change our collaboration with PUP has brought over the years which also helped us transform our goal into action, particularly in the areas of technology and innovation,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.
The PLDT Group continues to extend its full support to PUP in its mission of taking the engineering industry within and outside its organization to the next level.
“We thank PUP for being long-time partners of PLDT and Smart in advancing technology and innovation not just in the academe, but also in the industry. Working together has opened opportunities for all of us, including students and faculty. We look forward to the next phase of this collaboration in the coming years,” said Arvin L. Siena, VP and Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation Office at PLDT and Smart.
Under SWEEP, PUP has successfully trained over 700 students and faculty members, engaged more than 20 educators in the PLDT and Smart field offices, extended financial aid to scholars, and facilitated career openings for over 650 graduates within PLDT and Smart.
“Our two-decade long partnership with PLDT and Smart has given us an opportunity to enhance our engineering curriculum according to industry standards. Our collaborative efforts have reinforced key competencies of our students and faculty in the field, assisting them to keep up with the fast-paced nature of technology and innovation," said Manuel M. Muhi, President of PUP.
Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages like SWEEP, particularly to promote STEM education in the country. This commitment also supports UNSDG #4: Quality Education and is aligned with the vision of the Philippine Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).
