VP Sara, AFP launch 1st mobile e-learning hub in Cebu with PLDT/Smart SIAB

CEBU CITY -- Vice Vice President of the Philippines and DepEd Secretary Sara Z. Duterte and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with PLDT Inc., and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) joined hands in launching the AFP’s first ever Mobile E-Learning Hub and PLDT/Smart's School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) project in Cebu to bring quality education in hard-to-reach communities in the Visayas.

“I thank everyone who has contributed in our noble efforts and has always believed in the power of education and technology. May we continue to embark on this journey empowered by the knowledge that through innovation and collaboration we can further uplift our beloved nation and pave the way for a brighter future,” Vice President of the Philippines and DepEd Secretary Sara Z. Duterte said during the ceremonial launching of AFP’s E-Learning Hub on August 29, this year.

The AFP’s Mobile E-Learning Hub aims to promote Information and Communications Technology-related skills training, online education, government services, as well as employment opportunities and upskilling programs to empower more people, especially in marginalized communities.

PLDT and Smart’s SIAB on the other hand works as a portable digital classroom designed to facilitate basic education, especially in off-grid areas. Each package contains a laptop, tablets preloaded with Smart’s #LearnSmart applications that make use of the learners’ mother tongue, and other learning contents including USAID’s All Children’s Reading E-resource.

The kit also includes a Smart LTE pocket WiFi kit which teachers can use to go online and download other relevant educational materials.

“We are on a mission to bridge the educational gap and empower underserved communities through the SIAB and the AFP’s Mobile E-Learning Hub. Inspired by our shared mission of making sure that no learner is left behind, we help shape futures and build a stronger nation—one bag, one community at a time,” PLDT and Smart AVP and head of Stakeholder Management, Stephanie Orlino said.

PLDT/Smart launched the School-in-a-Bag (SIAB) project in 2016 and since then, Smart deployed over 500 SIAB packages across the country and to date, the program has more than 100,000 learners and more than 4,000 teachers trained.

The School-in-a-Bag highlights PLDT and Smart’s steadfast contribution to inclusive quality education through Information and Communication Technology, content, pedagogy, and capacity building to ensure that there is #NoLearnerLeftBehind. (Photos: PLDT/Smart-FB)