PLDT, Smart boost DepEd’s 2023 National Literacy Conference

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) supported the Department of Education's (DepEd) 2023 National Literacy Conference (NLC) held at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Cebu City.

With the theme “Building a Culture of Literacy: The Power of Communities as Catalysts of Literacy Development”, this year’s NLC aims to strengthen multicultural and inclusive education, and increase stakeholder involvement in community-based literacy development.

“We at PLDT and Smart are one with the Department of Education in its goal of encouraging communities to take part in literacy development. Our commitment is to continue doing our part in providing quality education, to ensure that no Filipino learner gets left behind,” said Stephanie Orlino, Stakeholder Management Head at PLDT and Smart.

The two-day conference was attended by over 400 participants nationwide, including representatives from educational institutions, local government units and agencies, and non-government organizations that are implementing community-based literacy programs.

“Our goal is to promote functional literacy and ensure that every Filipino possesses the skills and knowledge in real life, equipping individuals with the ability to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and actively participate in the workforce and society,” said Hon. Vice President of the Philippines and DepEd Secretary Sara Z. Duterte in her keynote speech.

To raise awareness on digital literacy, the conference featured PLDT and Smart Digital Communications Senior Manager Elijah Mendoza who gave a talk on cyber security and equipped participants with tips on how to avoid being victimized by various types of phishing and other criminal activities online.

“In the age of social media, all of us are potential victims online, but at the same time we are also potential threats. That is why it is important to be digitally literate and knowledgeable about cyber security today,” said Mendoza.

PLDT and Smart also provided fiber connectivity support to the conference to enable its livestream via DepEd Philippines' official Facebook page.

This support of PLDT and Smart highlights their commitment to helping the country achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 4 on Inclusive Quality Education. This is also aligned with the Group's support for the Government's overall digitalization thrust as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar.