Schools in Cebu receive “Siab” packages from PLDT Group, Fiberhome Tech

THE School-in-a-Bag (Siab) by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has continued to reach far-flung schools as face-to-face classes resume in Cebu province.

In partnership with PLDT and Smart Foundation Inc. (PSF) and FiberHome Technologies, PLDT and Smart recently donated Siab packages to Cabagdalan Elementary School in Balamban, Mahanlud Elementary School in Malabuyoc and Basak Elementary School in Samboan. These schools were among the pilot schools in the province to introduce limited face-to-face classes in November 2021 and were affected by the attack of Typhoon Odette (Rai) before the end of 2021.

“We are excited to extend this blessing to these schools as this package will provide our teachers and students with access to technology and connectivity and help facilitate learning for quality basic education,” said Catherine Yap-Yang, First Vice President, PLDT and Smart Group Corporate Communications.

The School-In-A-Bag underscores PLDT and Smart’s #NoLearnerLeftBehind advocacy and aims to promote inclusive education by enhancing learning in remote communities using technology.

Smart’s Siab carries a laptop, a load-sharing Smart Bro LTE Pocket WiFi, ten tablets, a teacher’s guide and digital learning resources for elementary school students. To make learning more engaging, the technology-enabled learning pack includes digital learning materials such as contextualized learning activity sheets and 10 #LearnSmart apps that teach native language literacy and numeracy.

Located in distant communities, both students and teachers share the same inevitable struggles as they negotiate mountain streams and rough roads before reaching their school. Aside from the Covid-19 pandemic, these schools have also faced challenges from Typhoon Odette.

“As we strive for improved learning, we need all the help we can get from public or private institutions like Smart to keep us going. We are really lucky because even in times like these we always feel their support, especially in providing quality basic education for our students,” said Enrico Iran, Principal of Mahanlud Primary School.

These efforts also underscore the commitment of PLDT and Smart to help the Philippines achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #4 through inclusive quality education. (S)