PLDT and Smart are expanding access to quality education through their #KonektedforLearning initiative, combining artificial intelligence (AI), digital learning tools, and innovative teaching strategies to help Filipino students and educators adapt to an increasingly technology-driven world.

The program aims to improve education resiliency by integrating digital solutions into classrooms while supporting learners in underserved communities and areas affected by disasters and conflict.

“Technology has the power to expand opportunities for learning, but its true value lies in how it helps students, teachers, and communities overcome barriers,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart.

“Through KonektedforLearning, we work with partners to ensure that more Filipino learners can access quality education, develop future-ready skills, and continue learning even in challenging circumstances,” she added.

Bringing digital classrooms to remote schools

One of the flagship programs under #KonektedforLearning is the School-in-a-Bag (SIAB), a portable digital classroom designed for geographically isolated and underserved communities.

Each SIAB package includes:

  • A laptop for teachers
  • Ten tablets loaded with DepEd curriculum-based learning materials
  • Interactive educational applications
  • A Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wi-Fi device
  • Expandable storage

To date, PLDT and Smart, together with their partners, have deployed 784 School-in-a-Bag packages across the country, benefiting nearly 120,000 students.

UNICEF has contributed more than 300 SIAB units for schools in hard-to-reach and economically disadvantaged communities.

Supporting education during disruptions

PLDT and Smart also continue supporting the Central Visayan Institute Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP), an innovative teaching approach adopted by the Department of Education to help ensure learning continuity during natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other emergencies.

Developed by Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher Bernido and the late Dr. Marivic Carpio-Bernido, the program promotes a “learning by doing” approach using Learning Activity Sheets that encourage students to work independently with minimal teacher intervention.

The system also helps address teacher shortages by allowing one expert teacher to simultaneously supervise up to three classes.

With support from PLDT and Smart, around 33,000 teachers have been trained under the program.

Preparing students for an AI-driven future

Beyond classroom connectivity, PLDT and Smart are equipping students with skills needed for emerging technologies through the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP).

Launched in 2003, SWEEP is the Philippines’ longest-running industry-academe partnership program focused on engineering and information and communications technology education.

Now in its fifth phase, the program emphasizes:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Automation
  • Intelligent systems
  • Advanced communications technologies

More than 53,000 teachers and students have been trained through SWEEP since its launch.

Helping teachers use AI in education

PLDT and Smart are likewise helping educators integrate AI into their teaching through the AI-in-a-Box program.

The initiative trains teachers to use AI responsibly for:

  • Developing lesson plans
  • Creating customized learning activities
  • Analyzing educational data
  • Automating routine administrative tasks

Since its pilot bootcamp last year, over 800 teachers have completed AI-in-a-Box training.

Through these initiatives, PLDT and Smart continue to promote digital literacy and education resilience while supporting the country’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring that more Filipino learners and educators have access to technology-enabled learning opportunities.