PLDT, Smart, University of Baguio Join Hands to Promote Innovation and Engineering Excellence

PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently joined the University of Baguio (UB) during its Annual Tripartite Collaboration to further enhance the existing curriculum of programs in the College of Engineering.

“Under our Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, the country's first and longest-running industry-academe linkage program, we continue to promote and culture of innovation and excelling by extending learning opportunities to students and faculty,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

This initiative brought together partners from the academe and the private sector, specifically those in the technology industry, and aimed to align the current engineering program with the latest technological trends, and to strengthen the linkage between the academe and the industry.

“We acknowledge the contribution of the industry reaching out to and partnering with the academe. Under this collaboration, we have extended our expertise in the field of wireless telecommunications and technologies, which aim to add value to what UB currently has,” said Hope Mamucud, Senior Core Network Supervisor at PLDT and Smart.

“We currently offer a Technopreneurship subject in the School of Engineering and Architecture that requires our students to create prototypes and explore innovations. We also have Robotics incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in our curriculum. With PLDT and Smart extending their technical expertise, we can further improve these subjects under this partnership,” said Engr. Annalyn D. Soria, MACT, UB Faculty.

“I chose to take Electronics Engineering so I could learn more about the current and upcoming trends in technology. I also believe through technology and innovation, I can contribute to addressing the waste management challenges in our community,” said 24-year-old John Reynald Garcia, a UB Electronics Engineering student.

“Trainings extended under SWEEP can help us gain knowledge in technology and enables us to become familiar with advanced innovation and equipment available. This can eventually add value to our academic and professional development,” John added.

Since 2003, PLDT and Smart have being supporting colleges and universities all over the Philippines through SWEEP. The program underscores the PLDT Group's commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and supports the government's key digitalization efforts, by fostering industry-academe linkage. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.

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.