PLDT, Smart, ADZU Launch Literacy Apps to Support Chavacano and Tausug Communities

As the world becomes more and more digitally borderless, helping children retain and learn in their native languages safeguards the Philippines' rich linguistic heritage and makes education more accessible, meaningful, and culturally rooted for future generations. Toward this, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., in partnership with Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and with the support of the Department of Education – Division of Zamboanga City, have officially launched the literacy mobile applications called "Apprende" for Chavacano and "Hinduan" for Tausug.

“The launch of ‘Apprende’ and ‘Hinduan’ is close to our hearts because it allows children to learn in their own mother tongue, making education more meaningful. At the same time, it helps preserve our local languages so that the next generation can continue to value and celebrate their heritage. These apps are among the many learning tools we’ve developed with our partners to make education more inclusive and impactful for the communities we serve,” said Stephanie Orlino, Stakeholder Engagement Head, PLDT and Smart.

Designed to promote literacy and numeracy in mother tongues, the mobile applications also aim to preserve local heritage while making learning more accessible for younger generations.

ADZU Grade School Principal Ellen Segurigan expressed heartfelt gratitude to PLDT and Smart for bringing these innovative learning tools to the community. “Today, we celebrate more than the launch of two mobile applications; we celebrate the preservation, appreciation, and joyful learning of our local languages. With these apps, students will not only gain knowledge but also discover the richness of our heritage, enjoy the beauty of our words, and connect with one another in meaningful ways," said Segurigan.

The "Apprende" and "Hinduan" literacy applications complete a set of 13 mobile applications developed by PLDT and Smart with various partners as part of their long-standing commitment to advancing education and promoting digital inclusion.

This initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, as it fosters inclusive, equitable, and quality learning opportunities for all. Moreover, it contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by helping to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community identity through language.

Smart ‘Creativity Camp’ Inspires Artistry, Love for Sustainability among Mindanao Students

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) helped welcome students to the school opening activities at the University of Mindanao (UM) and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), with its Smart Creativity Camp. The fun-filled events, run by Smart as part of a broad program to engage young people nationwide, enables students to bring out the artist in them as they learn more about sustainability.

University President Fr. Guillrey Anthony "Ernald" Andal, SJ, shared, “ADZU has been active in promoting sustainability, and one of our efforts is encouraging students to bring reusable water containers. We are happy that Smart hosted this Creativity Camp, enabling aspiring artists to personalize their water containers, showcase their creativity and learn the value of our sustainability programs at the same time.”

Bringing their own metal beverage containers, students trooped to the colorful booths to join the camp. Using their own tumblers as canvas and art materials provided by Smart, the students personalized their beverage containers with designs that represent their passions and their vision of a sustainable future.

“Smart empowers the youth to pursue their passions. Our creativity camp allows them to express their emotions through visual arts. Through their creations, they tell us about their passion for sustainable practices,” said Melvin Consunji Nubla, FVP and Head of Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management.

“Art is very important and joining this camp has enhanced my creativity. It also made me realize that we can create art using non-hazardous materials which are safe for the environment,” said 18-year-old UM Fine Arts student, Marylove Eclarinal.

To motivate students, especially those who feel intimidated handling a paintbrush, Smart invited Davao-based multi-disciplinary artist, Goldie Siglos, to hold a workshop on basic design techniques for the UM students. In Zamboanga, resident artist Bel Garcia conducted an art class for the ADZU students. With their help, the students crafted unique artworks using water-based paint and custom stickers from Smart.

Smart will continue to roll out its Creativity Camp to more schools, to encourage more students to unleash their passion for the arts and at the same time, raise awareness on sustainability. The Smart Creativity Camp is part of the PLDT group’s broad range of activities that empowers and builds bridges of collaboration across sectors and communities towards a sustainable future.