Smart Communications Inc. has delivered its innovative School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) program to Apo Elementary School, a remote institution located on Apo Island, 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Oriental.
The learning package, designed to enhance access to digital education in underserved areas, includes a laptop, tablets, Smart LTE pocket WiFi devices with load allocation, and pre-loaded educational materials. These resources feature contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) and 10 #LearnSmart apps aimed at improving literacy and numeracy in local languages.
“This initiative bridges the digital divide, providing children in remote communities with the same learning tools as their urban counterparts,” said Marylou Gocotano, Visayas Relations Head of PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Team.
Apo Elementary School head Anna Lyn Abella expressed gratitude for the program, highlighting its importance in enhancing teaching and learning experiences, especially during disruptions caused by natural disasters.
Since its inception, PLDT and Smart have deployed over 650 SIABs nationwide, supporting thousands of students and teachers in remote communities and promoting asynchronous learning. The initiative aligns with the PLDT Group’s #NoLearnerLeftBehind advocacy and contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education.