Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is helping build a more resilient Philippines as it teams up with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) in uploading learning materials from its recognized advocacy programs on the Innovations Academy for Disaster Awareness, Preparedness, and Training (iADAPT) platform.
“The use of learning through technology has always been at the heart of what we do. This project is also aligned with Smart’s newly launched campaign, Live Smarter for a Better World, which inspires people to commit to sustainable actions with lasting positive impact to society. It also encourages us to ignite our passions to help to change the world for the better,” said Darwin Flores, Smart VP for Community Partnerships.
Powered by the PDRF, iADAPT is the go-to site for information on disaster resilience in the face of the public health crisis. The e-learning solutions hub equips Filipinos with the right tools, skills, and resources needed to face disasters.
“Smart has a vast library of knowledge products or online resources on disaster preparedness and even cybersecurity that will now be accessible through iADAPT. Collating and amplifying these resources through this online platform will ensure wider reach and take advantage of the comprehensive yet easy to use interface, as well as other key features of iADAPT,” said Veronica T. Gabaldon, PDRF Executive Director.
Smart is uploading five programs on iADAPT that talk about cybersecurity, independent learning strategies, food security, disaster preparedness and values formation through storytelling that users can access for free.
CyberSmart
CyberSmart teaches students, teachers, and parents how to fortify their defenses against online threats. The video series is a collection of learning modules on cybersecurity, internet safety, mobile devices protection, responsible use of social media, spotting and combating fake news, and online child protection. CyberSmart is supported by the DepEd, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and UNICEF. The program took home platinum honors at the recently concluded Anvil Awards.
CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program
The CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program is a Smart-backed teaching strategy that promotes independent student learning. The disaster-resilient methodology is developed by Ramon Magsaysay awardees for education, Dr. Christopher and Dr. Maria Victoria Bernido. The independent learning tool works in all primary and secondary academic levels, as well as in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), and targets the entire spectrum of learners, including Special Education students. The pre-developed activity sheets have also been endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Kalye Mabunga
The Kalye Mabunga web series aims to encourage backyard planting for food security. The series is a joint project with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) in support of the government’s ‘Plant, plant, plant’ program to battle food insecurity. Each 10-minute video talks about practical lessons on setting up and maintaining edible gardens at home, cooking healthy vegetable dishes, and learning about medicinal herbs as natural remedies for common ailments. The program also provides income opportunities as crops can be sold in the community.
Maging Laging Handa
One is never too young to learn about disaster preparedness. That’s why Smart’s Maging Laging Handa video series teaches children to prepare for and what to do in times of disasters like typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Taking inspiration from well-loved children shows, the module shares valuable information through songs and dances, so they’re easily remembered by children. Content was vetted by PAGASA, Phivolcs, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the DepEd. Maging Laging Handa is also aligned with the DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs)
LearnSmart eStorytelling sessions
The LearnSmart eStorytelling series aims to bring the magic of stories to the home to encourage bonding among families. Smart partnered with The Storytelling Project to release 31 storytelling videos that help develop the love for reading and learning among children and instill Filipino values. Filipino sign language is also integrated into the videos to make them more accessible to the Filipino deaf community. Sessions were also processed by child psychologists. Teachers can use the videos as supplemental learning resources as they’re also aligned with the DepEd’s MELCs.
Users not only learn from Smart’s online resources, but they can also earn certificates when they complete the course. Smart and PDRF are also in talks to expand the telco’s online modules in the future.
“Smart is developing more online learning courses to help build a more resilient Philippines and to help Filipinos become safer and smarter as they face today’s challenges. These materials will be uploaded to the iADAPT platform in the second quarter of the year,” said Stephanie Orlino, Center Head & AVP for Community Partnerships at Smart.
Smart and PDRF’s relationship goes all the way back to 2009. After the country was battered by destructive typhoons, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked PLDT Chairman, President and CEO Manuel Pangilinan to put up a private foundation that would work with the government in its reconstruction efforts. Since then, PDRF has been expanded as the umbrella organization of the private sector for disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery.
You can learn more about Smart’s online learning resources atwww.iadapt.pdrf.org/SMART.