PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have been recognized by the World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF) for their support in the ‘Brigada Pagbasa’ program which aims to improve literacy among Filipino learners. The citation highlights the PLDT Group’s collaboration with like-minded allies to implement impactful programs that contribute to nation-building.  

“We are grateful for this recognition as it affirms how PLDT and Smart’s education programs are responsive to the needs of learners. These initiatives complement the DepEd’s strategy to reboot classes after the country has emerged from the global health crisis that disrupted education,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.  

Supporting the Department of Education’s (DepEd) efforts in building a ‘MATATAG na bayan’, WVDF is the co-lead convener of the ‘Brigada Pagbasa’ program, a national movement for reading that presents an opportunity for education champions and supporters to collaborate in helping Filipino children improve reading skills.  

“The Brigada Pagbasa Program is a national movement for reading that aims to bring together all education champions and supporters to contribute to nation building by helping all Filipino children enhance their reading skills in the context of partnership. This is to support the DepEd’s goal to provide children access to quality education,” said Geomel Jetonzo, Brigada Pagbasa Program Director at WVDF.

Joining this movement, PLDT and Smart have signified their full commitment to address education literacy gaps across the country by extending opportunities through inclusive technology and purpose-driven innovation.

PLDT and Smart have partnered with the organization to roll out the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP). Developed by Ramon Magsaysay awardees Dr. Christopher Bernido and the late Dr. Maria Victoria Bernido, the crisis-resilient teaching pedagogy develops independent learners utilizing the CVIF DLP Learning Activity Sheets.  

These tools simplify complex concepts into bite-sized lessons that can be easily understood by students. The program encourages learners to accomplish the modules at their own pace with little to no supervision by teachers.

PLDT, Smart, and PLDT-Smart Foundation have supported the CVIF DLP for over a decade, aligned with the group’s mission to promote inclusive quality education. PLDT and Smart create and support various educational initiatives as part of their commitment to help the nation achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #4: Quality Education.