PLDT, Smart collaborate with DICT for School-in-a-Bag program

PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have recently partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to incorporate inclusive learning in the agency’s digital inclusion efforts under its Smart Island initiative. PLDT Group together with DICT, turned over a School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) package to Sta. Cruz National High School in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, to help elevate the quality of education, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“This initiative is part of a whole-of-nation approach in closing the digital divide and helping elevate our country’s learning system. We are happy that private sector partners like PLDT and Smart are involved. I believe this monumental collaboration will have a lasting impact in this island,” shared DICT Assistant Secretary for Regional Development Maria Teresa Camba during her keynote speech.

A portable digital classroom, the School-in-a-Bag is designed to provide students and teachers with essential devices and innovative pedagogy for modern-day learning. Each SIAB package includes a laptop, 10 tablets pre-loaded with DepEd curriculum-based learning materials, Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wi-Fi, and expandable storage devices.

“The School-in-a-Bag has empowered PLDT and Smart to collaborate with fellow education champions in ensuring that no learner is left behind. The SIAB is a sustainable program that brings positive impact to communities for generations to come,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

PLDT and Smart donates a School-in-a-Bag, a portable digital classroom to Sta. Cruz National High School in the Island Garden City of Samal. 

Since its inception, more than 600 SIAB packages have been deployed, benefiting around 7,000 teachers and more than 116,000 students in last-mile schools all over the country.

“We are privileged to have been chosen as the recipient of this School-in-a-Bag. This will significantly enhance the capacity of our learners to develop essential literacy and technological skills that are crucial in today’s world,” said Joann M. Benoya, Principal II of Sta. Cruz National Highschool.

The School-in-a-Bag highlights the PLDT Group’s #NoLearnerLeftBehind advocacy. The program also underscores , its commitment to help the Philippines achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 – Inclusive Quality Education.