PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. teamed up with education-focused nonprofit Teach for the Philippines to bring digital safety lessons to Taguanao Elementary School. The initiative, part of the #BeCyberSmart program, aims to teach young learners responsible and mindful online behavior.
Students participated in an interactive storytelling session featuring Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala (The Adventures of Tala), a PLDT Group storybook developed with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network, and co-launched with the Department of Justice.
The book follows a 9-year-old girl exploring the metaverse while learning about her rights and potential online dangers. Copies were donated to the school to support teachers in reinforcing digital safety lessons.
“When children understand the world they’re growing up in—online and offline—they learn to protect themselves,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Being cybersmart is more than just safety—it’s about empowering kids with the confidence to explore and act wisely in today’s digital world.”
PLDT and Smart also donated #PlantSmart kits, which include vegetable seeds, organic fertilizer, and loam soil, to support the school’s “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program. Principal Jobert Mangmang-Salingay said the kits will help expand the school’s vegetable varieties for its feeding program and allow parents to start home gardens.
“These storybooks guide our learners on their rights and safety online, especially now that digital risks are becoming more common,” Mangmang-Salingay said.
The initiatives are part of PLDT and Smart’s broader programs to promote digital wellness, strengthen community partnerships, and support quality learning environments, contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on quality education and partnerships.
