Mindanaotoday.com | 2K Davaoeño scholars receive connectivity support from Smart
PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has completed its donation of connectivity devices for 2,000 Davaoeño scholars, in coordination with the city government of Davao.
Under the Smart Bro Student Sponsorship Program, PLDT’s wireless arm provided prepaid WiFi kits to Davao City’s Educational Benefits System Unit (EBSU) to help ensure that learners have better access to connectivity.
The program augments the city’s Scholarship on Tertiary Education for indigent beneficiaries.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte shared: “We thank Smart for the donation of devices for our scholars and their efforts in providing community services. Even with the return of face-to-face classes, learning doesn’t end when they leave the campus but continues after school. These pocket WiFis will help our scholars with online research and other schoolwork needed to maintain their scholarships. So, thank you very much, Smart!”
Handling academic responsibilities without a stable internet connection is a major challenge for students.
Cedric Dablo of the University of Mindanao said: “With Smart’s support and fast connectivity, studying has become more seamless. This free WiFi device and the value-packed internet promos from Smart will help me to save up. I am on the last phase of my college journey and Smart’s technology will also help me work on my thesis more easily.”
“This partnership with the city government, through the EBSU, supports the LGU’s top priority advocacies and highlights our campaign ’Live Smarter for a Better World’. Aside from our commitment to provide basic services for students and teachers, we look forward to future engagements with the Davao City LGU,” said Jonathan dela Cruz, Smart AVP for Mindanao Regional Customer Development.
Smart had previously backed the LGU’s Covid-19 response efforts through communication and connectivity support to Davao Central’s Telemedicine, as well as the city’s ResBakuna sites, Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities, and swab centers.
Through technology, PLDT and Smart continue to enable learning communities as part of its commitment to promote digital inclusion and help the nation achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education. (PR)
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