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| Top officials of Batangas State University and representing officials of PLDT and Smart Communications virtually smiling while holding the partnership deal between the three organizations. (Image Source: Newsbytes.ph/PLDT) |
Responding to the challenges faced by the country's higher education sector, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) signed a partnership deal with Batangas State University to provide connectivity solutions to the institution's students and faculty. Fast, reliable and fiber-powered Smart WiFi will be rolled out across BatStateU's eight campuses located in Nasugbu, Alangilan, Lemery, Lipa City, Rosario, Pablo Borbon, Malvar and Balayan by the fourth quarter of 2021 in anticipation for resumption of in-person instruction.
The school administration led by University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo is designing a blended learning approach in which half of the classes will be conducted virtually while the other half will be held face-to-face. “In preparation for the return of our students to school, this free WiFi service is a significant addition to our existing bandwidth capacity. Not only that, it also addresses the challenge of connecting the many different campuses of Batangas State University in the midst of the New Normal. I thank Smart for this endeavor, and I hope that this partnership will really bring about utmost productivity in our university," said Ronquillo who authored the Building Research and Innovation Development Goals for Engineering SUCs (BRIDGES) program.
BatStateU, the largest state university in Batangas and CALABARZON, is one of the esteemed tertiary education institutions in the country. With its Electronics Engineering program designated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a national Center of Excellence, the university also boasts of its Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Development Communication and Teacher Education programs as national Centers of Development. Having proven itself in the field of technology and innovation, BatState U previously partnered with Smart through its Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), a one-of-a-kind initiative that aims to produce industry-ready graduates and technopreneurs through a series of technology trainings, online courses and an annual innovations competitions for students.
Smart Communications First Vice-President and Luzon Regional Head for Consumer Sales Group John Y. Palanca stated, “Our mobilization of the Smart WiFi service supports BatStateU’s mission of providing a 21st century learning environment by creating more avenues for young innovators to utilize technology for boundless access to knowledge and information." He added that with dedicated speeds of up to 100 Mbps, Smart WiFi will facilitate the dynamic teaching and learning process among members of the BatStateU community. On the other hand, Palanca cited a report conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) early this year that four out of 10 Filipino students lack either the technology, the device or both needed for distance learning and said, “Smart aims to avert such learning crises by investing in projects that narrow the digital divide and by partnering with learning institutions such as BatStateU to create a connected society on an equal ground."
Through an inclusive infrastructure, BatStateU Vice President for Development and External Affairs Atty. Noel Omandap recognizes the timeliness of Smart's connectivity services and solutions, explaining that the present situation demands the availability of a strong and secure internet connectivity to accommodate alternative work arrangements and flexible learning. “Reliable internet connectivity not only benefits all our stakeholders but also further capacitates our efforts to connect the BatStateU community over the existing means that we have. It is our privilege to be your partner in promoting ‘Smart universities’ across the country. In this regard, BatStateU is one with Smart in leading and inspiring young Filipinos to create a better tomorrow as we lead innovations and transform lives,” Omandap said.
