PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., in collaboration with Huawei Philippines, have conducted their eBizNovation digital upskilling session for officers and staff members of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW). The participants learned basic skills on digital marketing, social media, content creation, and mobile photography, which they could use to help sell online the arts and crafts made by persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the CIW.
The activity is part of PLDT and Smart's support for the Department of Justice's Project ARTE (Arts, Crafts, and E-Commerce) program, which seeks to empower female PDLs with entrepreneurial knowledge that can help open up livelihood opportunities for them when they rejoin society.
"Empowering marginalized communities through education and technology is a vital step towards rehabilitation and social inclusion. I commend PLDT, Smart, Huawei, and CIW for their commitment to providing female PDLs with the tools they need to thrive in today's digital landscape," said DOJ Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, who leads the Project ARTE program.
PLDT and Smart, through the eBizNovation program, help micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and cooperatives enhance their financial and market access, develop their skills, and adapt to tech innovations. The program provides access to technology and upskilling trainings, and helps onboard beneficiaries to e-commerce platforms. PLDT and Smart have previously partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture, local chambers of commerce, and various e-commerce platforms for this program.
“The eBizNovation session will initially enhance the CIW staff’s digital skills, which can help them market online the beautiful work from the hands of our women PDLs. Through this program, we hope to help PDLs regain dignity and purpose, as well as opportunity to lead a fulfilling and productive life,” said PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Corporate Communications Head Cathy Yang.
“Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa Bureau of Corrections CIW Mandaluyong, sa aming mga PDL na naka-engage sa aming work and livelihood program. Iyong mga products ay mas maiibenta sa labas at mas lalakas ang production. Para rin sa mga PDL, hanggang sa paglaya nila, mayroon silang mapupuntahan at hindi magiging balakid ang problema sa kabuhayan (This is a big help to the Bureau of Corrections CIW Mandaluyong, to our PDLs engaged in our work and livelihood program. There will be more oppotunities to sell the products and we can also have increased production. For the PDLs, they will have better livelihood opportunities once they leave the facility),” said CIW Deputy Superintendent for Reformation Corrections Insp. Leonida Bendijo, who attended the eBizNovation training held at Smart Tower in Makati City.
“Iyong mga kasamahan namin ay makaka-contribute sila sa pamamagitan ng pag-create ng online selling videos. Ang technology ay makakatulong sa pagdagdag ng sales (Our teammates can contribute by creating online selling videos. Technology can help us increase sales),” said CIW Work and Livelihood Program Chief Corrections Officer 3 Allan Tablizo, who also attended the workshop.
PLDT and Smart have long been promoting digital inclusion and upskilling of senior citizens, farmers and fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons deprived of liberty, helping communities attain meaningful livelihood opportunities through access to technology, innovative solutions, and other programs. These initiatives reinforce the group's commitment to help in nation-building and support UN Sustainable Development Goals 1: No Poverty; UNSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; and UNSDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
