Education through Internet accessibility

Education through Internet accessibility
Sun.Star Pampanga
February 9, 2011

RECOGNIZING the importance of the Internet in today's education of the young, SM Foundation on Wednesday led the ceremonial turn-over of an Internet connection system for the Mabalacat High School through the help of the Smart Education and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

The event was attended by SM Foundation executive director for education Linda Atayde, Mayor Mariono "Boking" Morales and officers of Smart Education and PBSP.

SM Clark public relations officer Venus Manalang said the program is in continuation of the 2009 initiative of SM Foundation.

In 2009, the SM Foundation donated a classroom for the said high school in cooperation with the Municipality of Mabalacat. This year, Smart Education has joined in the program to help the Mabalacat High School.

"The Internet connection will greatly help in the skills development of both teachers and students of the school. We hope that with this help they can now have access to a multitude of educational materials available in cyberspace," Manalang said.

The Smart Schools Program (SSP) is a community service initiative of Smart Communications Inc. that promotes Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in basic education through partnerships with public schools, its officials and parents-teachers-community associations (PTCAs).

Specifically, it aims to provide public school teachers with Internet access through the PLDT group's wide range of communications solutions, access to online content and teacher-training on Information and Communications Technology.

It is implemented through the Philippine Business for Social Progress, with the support of the Department of Education and a team of individuals, recognized in their respective fields in the academe and business, comprising the Smart Schools Program Advisory Board.

PBSP is the implementing arm of the Program. PBSP conducts groundwork for Smart Schools, facilitates logistical set-ups, implements ICT trainings, and monitors development milestones.

Mabalacat High School principal Dr. Leonardo Canlas accepted the new Internet service connection in simple ceremonies attended by the school's faculty and student body. (Ian Ocampo Flora)