Connectivity is crucial, especially amid these unprecedented times that have left Filipinos reliant on the internet in almost every aspect in life.
With that in mind, PLDT’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. strives to roll out fast and secure connectivity to school faculty members and students in Bohol as part of telco’s nationwide drive to help the youth cope with the shift to distance learning.
According to Maryknoll Daniel-Romerde, Smart’s customer development manager in Bohol, the country’s leading telecom firm donated 300 pieces of Smart Bro pocket WiFi to teachers and students in both high school and college in six municipalities in the province.
The devices were turned over to the recipient local government units at the Ubay Gymnasium in Ubay on Friday with Smart executives in attendance.
Among those who digitally delivered their live messages during the event were Alexis Winters, AVP for regional customer development in Central and Eastern Visayas; Lalain Husain, senior manager for RCD-CV; and Ian Velasco, Senior manager for Regional Marketing.
In his brief message, Velasco acknowledged the efforts of teachers who have been tirelessly molding students into future leaders and productive members of society.
“We at Smart Communications are here to show our support to all of you. Bannered by our pocket WiFi brand, Smart Bro, which is as committed, as versatile and as hardworking as you in empowering the youth,” Velasco said.
The newly launched project will be a continuing initiative that seeks to reach out to more towns in the province.
“Its initial target is to engage 14 LGUs in the province of Bohol both in high school and college levels. At present, they are engaging six LGUs,” said Romerde.
The free pocket WiFi devices can be connected to up to 5 devices each and are powered by Smart’s high-speed LTE in Bohol.
The donated devices were bundled with free giga 299 load card that is good for one month.
For their part, the recipient LGUs also committed to provide load worth 299 per month for the Smart Bro devices for six months.
“Anytime, anywhere they go, they can use these and will be beneficial especially now with the pandemic. This will help them experience good quality education through our seamless signal brought to you by Smart Communications,” Romerde said.
The project was launched in partnership with Tana YouthLead Philippines, a youth development organization that focuses on two overarching development platforms in combating poverty—gender-responsive rural development and its sustainable development goals.
“Its goals are, leaving no Bol-anon youth behind, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education and gender equality and reduced inequalities,” said Romerde.