Smart empowers schools in Region 10, providing solutions for online learning

Coping with the demands of education in the new normal has been rough for some educators due to the lack of equipment for the production of modules and connectivity tools for online classes. 

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless arm of the country’s largest integrated telco PLDT, launched various efforts to respond to educators’ needs. One of them is the Study Smart Program, which aims to provide technology and digital solutions, including printers, photocopiers, laptops, WiFi devices, Free WiFi, and SIM cards, to schools all over the country. 

In Region 10, Smart has supported 21 schools, colleges, and universities from Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Iligan City, Camiguin Island, and Ozamiz City. 

One beneficiary, Tagoloan Community College (TCC), received a photocopier, paper and toners to help in the printing of modules. Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School also received free WiFi devices for deserving teachers. 

Smart also introduced Infocast, an SMS-based broadcast system, to augment the schools’ information campaign efforts amid the health crisis. The service has helped 13 schools in the region to receive advisories, announcements, and send inquiries, via SMS, for free. 

Dr. Susan S. Olana, Bukidnon National High School Secondary School Principal IV, expressed her gratitude to Smart. “We thank Smart for being our strong partner. The equipment they provided to the school will have a huge impact in the delivery of instruction, especially in these challenging times,” she said. 

Schools like the Iligan Medical Center College also acquired Smart Bro Pocket WiFi devices at discounted prices to help their teachers connect to the Smart’s LTE network. 

“It is important for schools to be equipped with necessary tools as they continue the new normal of education. Smart offers technology solutions that will truly help teachers and students, especially in their online classes where connectivity is crucial,” said Ma. Santina Calipayan, Smart Community Relationship Specialist. 

“We are happy that we are able to help a lot of schools in Region 10. We thank them for choosing and trusting Smart,” she added. 

Study Smart Program has been made possible through the help of Smart’s regional and provincial distributors, Elvir’s Blue Sky Telecom, Ilicomm, and Metroshoppers Inc. Other beneficiary schools under the program include PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, Liceo de Cagayan University, Bukidnon State University, Ozamiz City National High School, Misamis Occidental National High School, Valencia National High School, among others. 

Study Smart is part of a broader program of PLDT and Smart to highlight the application of ICT for development, in support of the Group-wide advocacy to promote digital inclusion. These initiatives also aim to contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainability Development Goal #4 of providing quality education.