PLDT, Smart enhance distance learning in Bacolod schools via School-In-A-Bag

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with PLDT and Smart Foundation, Inc. (PSF) and FiberHome Technologies, have donated School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) packages to Paglaum Village Elementary School (PVES), Kabugwason Elementary School (KES), and Progreso Village National High School (PrVNHS) in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental to enhance distance learning amid the pandemic.

SIAB is a portable digital classroom package that includes a laptop, a Smart Bro LTE Pocket WiFi, and tablets pre-loaded with #LearnSmart applications for students.

“We in PSF are truly happy that SIAB continues to reach students in the farthest areas. The intent of SIAB to promote and support inclusive education is an objective shared by our Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan and PSF as we envision the Philippines where no learner is left behind,” said PSF President Ma. Esther O. Santos.

KES targets to utilize the learning applications for the reading development of their pupils from Grades 1 to 3. Meanwhile, PVES will also use the package as additional educational resources for its library hub.

Being one of Bacolod City’s last-mile schools, PrVNHS deems this donation an unexpected blessing. It is a growing institution currently using a temporary learning center and has over 1,000 enrollees for this school year. With the challenges of accessing connectivity in their area, they are only implementing modular learning for their classes.

Through SIAB, PrVNHS opened a special online class for selected Grade 7 students which allows teacher-student interaction and resulted in the improvement of the student’s grades and performances.

“We used to dream of integrating educational videos and applications into our teaching process. We are happy to take a step forward and hope to expand this effort to more of our students to provide them the quality education that they deserve, especially in the new normal,” said PrVNHS Principal Julius Joniega.

“Sharing the same values with PSF to be of help to the community, FiberHome also desires to elevate the standards of education, information and communication technology by envisioning providing access to education for all of our learners in the Philippines especially those from geographically isolated disadvantaged areas,” FiberHome CEO Johnny Jiang said.

PLDT and Smart’s efforts of bringing SIAB to more remote schools across the country align with the companies’ commitment to helping the Philippines achieve the UNSDG No. 4 on Inclusive Quality Education.*