With virtual classes as one of the top learning modalities implemented nationwide, JB Razec of Carrasacal National High School in Surigao Del Sur said learning the basics of cybersecurity became essential for teachers like him. “All of us are vulnerable to cyber threats, so it is necessary to be suspicious and smart to protect ourselves online,” he said.
Razec learned various ways to stay safe amid increased virtual presence due to online classes when he participated in CyberSmart: Cyber Security Beyond Digital. An internet consumer awareness program of PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the initiative aims to educate teachers and students on cybersecurity topics such as data privacy and security, internet safety and online child safety, and responsible social media use.
“As technology advances, teachers also need to stay updated on the latest developments online,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP for Community Partnerships at Smart. “The more they know, the more they are equipped to safeguard themselves and their students from online hazards,” she added.
Apart from CyberSmart, Smart also ramped up trainings for the Central Visayan Institute Foundation-Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) for school year 2020-2021. The crisis-resilient education strategy promotes independent student learning to improve learners’ academic performance, especially in Science, Innovative Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
“Training students on independent leaning is one of the most precious lifelong gifts you can give to them,” he added. CVIF-DLP was first established in 2002 at the CVIF in Jagna, Bohol by world-renowned theoretical physicists and Ramon Magsaysay awardees for education, Dr. Christopher Bernido, and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido.
In partnership with social outreach arm PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), Smart has worked with the Bernidos in rolling out CVIF-DLP workshops across the country for over a decade.
The biggest was the ‘No Learner Left Behind’ web forum, which generated almost 500,000 views and led to the implementation of CVIF-DLP in 16 formal and non-formal DepEd divisions nationwide.
Education is among the key pillars of Smart’s Live Smart for a Better World campaign.
Under the movement, the company aims to inspire Filipinos to commit to sustainable actions with lasting, positive impact to society. CyberSmart and CVIF-DLP are just two of the many corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of Smart that bagged back-to-back major wins from the Philippines’ top award-giving bodies during the first quarter of this year.
