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| (Image Source: Where Is Ed Uy?/Smart Communications Inc.) |
5G is fast becoming the connectivity of choice among mobile subscribers in the Philippines as the country's leading integrated telecommunications company PLDT Inc. (PLDT)'s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) saw a sustained increase in average monthly 5G data traffic in 2023 bolstered by its award-winning 5G mobile network. In 2023, average quarterly 5G data traffic almost doubled, up 95% compared to the previous year. In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, Smart posted a 16-percent increase in average monthly data traffic on its 5G network versus the previous period. Driving this growth were the availability of new and more affordable 5G devices and the continued push of Postpaid Unli 5G Signature plans.
As we strive to continue delivering the best mobile experience to our customers, we also ensure that our offers are value-packed and relevant, and that we are also able to make the latest handsets more accessible for our subscribers to make it easier for them to upgrade," said Smart's Head of Consumer Wireless Business Alex O. Caeg. Supporting this continuous increase in data usage is Smart's mobile network which was recently recognized for delivering the Philippines' Best 5G Coverage Experience according to the latest report by independent analytics firm Opensignal. Smart's mobile network covers 97% of the population and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s 1.1 million kilometer fiber infrastructure.
Caeg added, "Coverage is key to 5G adoption. Our latest citation from Opensignal is a testament to Smart's commitment to expand the reach of our network across the Philippines. These efforts are also bearing fruit, as can be seen in the increase in our 5G data traffic, which has practically doubled." Smart's initiatives to deliver enhanced mobile products and services are aligned with the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide and provide connectivity to all, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government's overall digitalization thrust.
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Batangas Schools Gear Up For Intense Summer Heat With Dynamic Learning Program
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Schools in the municipality of Agoncillo in Batangas are turning to the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP) to mitigate class interruptions amid intense heat this summer. “The CVIF DLP aims to develop independent learners by allowing them to study at their own pace. Designed to break down complex topics into easier components, the program requires little or no teacher intervention,” said PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino.
With extreme temperatures forcing local government units to cancel on-site classes, the CVIF DLP offers a proven pedagogy that will allow learning to continue amid these disruptions. “The CVIF DLP has existing modules that we can tweak to suit our students’ needs. This gives teachers more time to think of complementing activities that will make the lessons more enjoyable for our students,” said Siena D. Deomampo, an Araling Panlipunan teacher at Coral na Munti National High School. Developed by Dr. Christopher Bernido and his wife, the late Dr. Maria Victoria Bernido, and supported by PLDT and Smart, CVIF DLP has helped schools navigate some of the most disruptive crises including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Central to the crisis-resilient strategy is the use of the CVIF DLP Learning Activity Sheets (CVIF DLP LAS) that the students are required to copy then answer. “Because the CVIF DLP LAS focuses on one topic, our students can master the basic concepts before moving on to the advance part of the subject,” said Elizabeth P. Mendoza, a Grade 6 teacher at Banyaga Elementary School. The CVIF DLP highlights PLDT and Smart’s commitment to inclusive and equitable quality education through Information and Communications Technology, content, pedagogy, and capacity building to ensure that there is #NoLearnerLeftBehind. This initiative is also aligned with the PLDT group’s much broader program to contribute to the country’s achievement of UNSDG No. 4: Quality Education.
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PLDT, Cignal TV Support PH's Hosting Of 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship
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| PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan with Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) officers and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon Suzara (3rd from left) and Secretary-General Don Caringal (rightmost) (Image Source: Manila Standard/PLDT Inc.) |
The Philippines’ world-first solo hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship has gotten a boost as PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Cignal TV announced their support for the prestigious volleyball tournament taking place on September 12-28, 2025. The country’s largest telco network PLDT will be the official broadband partner of the global tournament while Cignal TV, the pay TV arm of the MediaQuest Group, will be the event’s official broadcaster.
“This is a great opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes and showcase our countrymen’s passion for sports. The Philippines is now taking center stage in the world of volleyball. We look forward to working with the DOT and the PNVF to provide a top-notch experience for fans all over the world," said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. The Philippines is the first solo host nation of the biggest men’s volleyball tournament in the world. The event will also be the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship to date, as the tournament format expands to 32 teams. The sport has rapidly grown in popularity in the Philippines over the past few years with a passionate fanbase supporting highly competitive leagues such as Spikers’ Turf, Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League.
“It will be a huge challenge to host the highest-ranking teams and fans from all over the world. But as Filipinos, we know we can create the best environment for everyone to compete at the highest level on our home soil," said PNVF president Ramon Suzara. The Philippine men’s national volleyball team’s preparations will begin with a comprehensive selection process for the player pool and the unveiling of a new team name. Aside from supporting the national team, PLDT was a key partner in the recent 2023 Volleyball Nations League in Manila.
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ASUS Philippines Introduces Zenbook S 13 OLED Powered By Intel Core Ultra 7
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/ASUS Philippines) |
ASUS Philippines is excited to announce the availability of the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304MA) refresh model, now in stores. This sleek and powerful laptop blends advanced technology with a beautiful design, perfect for professionals and students. Featuring the new Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU and Intel AI Boost NPU, users can enjoy top-notch performance and efficiency. Plus, ASUS makes AI-computing more accessible with its dedicated Microsoft Copilot key, simplifying navigation and boosting productivity.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor, the Zenbook S 13 OLED boasts exceptional performance, ensuring seamless multitasking and smooth operation for even the most demanding tasks. The stunning 13.3-inch 3K OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio delivers vibrant colors and crisp details, enhancing the viewing experience for work or entertainment. Equipped with LPDDR5X 16 GB RAM and a 1 TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD, this powerhouse laptop offers lightning-fast responsiveness and ample storage space for all your files and applications. Plus, with the intuitive Microsoft Copilot key, users can streamline their workflow and achieve greater efficiency in their tasks. Intel Graphics and Intel AI Boost NPU further enhance AI app performance and efficiency, making multitasking effortless.
Embracing sustainability, ASUS continues its commitment to environmental responsibility by incorporating eco-friendly materials into the construction of the Zenbook S 13 OLED. The latest Zenbook S 13 OLED is now priced at Php87,995.00 and includes a pre-installed Windows 11 Home and Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, offering users the latest software for enhanced productivity. Additionally, it comes with the ASUS 4A Quality and Service Warranty, ensuring the laptop’s safety and longevity.
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De La Salle Lipa, De La Salle Araneta University Forge Stronger Partnership
.jpg "De La Salle Lipa x De La Salle Araneta University") |
| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
Leaders of two La Salle Schools, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) and De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU), gathered at the former's boardroom last April 24, 2024 to seal a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of a promising partnership between the two educational institutions. Present at the MOU signing ceremony for DLSL were Chancellor Dr. Erickson Martinez, Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Iezyll Torino, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Tessie Palma and Linkages Director Grace Sanchez. Representing DLSAU were Chancellor Christopher N. Polanco; Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Mission Dr. Marie Allison E. Parpan; and Head of Partnerships, Linkages, Academic Cooperation, and Engagements Maria Rowena A. Tesorio.
DLSAU Chancellor Polanco is excited with the partnership and looks forward to further solidifying the collaboration through the MOU in the near future which will concretize and outline activities between the two institutions. This strategic partnership will initiate numerous meaningful knowledge exchanges and programs within La Salle Lipa and DLSAU, providing faculty and students with broader opportunities for growth and knowledge excellence, further enhancing educational opportunities, and promoting research and cultural collaborations. Additionally, faculty and staff will collaborate on shared research projects, engage in professional development opportunities, participate in community outreach programs, and contribute to social initiatives.
According to Dr. Torino in her welcome remarks, the gathering not only formalized the partnership but also celebrated the commitment of both institutions to excellence in education and the strengthening of collaborations within La Salle schools, all united in a mission inspired by the ideals of St. John Baptist De La Salle. With this shared vision and collective determination, there is no limit to what La Salle Lipa and De La Salle Araneta University can achieve together. As these two Lasallian institutions take their first steps into this new era of collaboration, they are guided by the words of St. John Baptist De La Salle: "Together and by association, we can do more."
(With words by Cristina Alfareta Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
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FDCP, Filipino Screenwriters Guild Announce Free Screenwriting Workshop Series
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Film Development Council Of The Philippines) |
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has partnered with the Filipino Screenwriters Guild (FSG) to offer a free screenwriting workshop for aspiring writers. As announced and shared on the official social media sites of the two organizations, the workshop will be held in Metro Manila with the tentative dates being June 22 and 29 as well as July 6, 13, and 20. It will be open to writers aged 18 and up who have no previous professional experience in screenwriting, commercially exhibited films, and participation in local and international film festivals.
Interested applicants must submit a short film story concept proposal with 500 words or less that is written in either English or Filipino. A maximum of two proposals are allowed per applicant. They must also submit a short essay in 500 words or less that showcases the writer’s unique voice, perspective, cultural background, and passion for storytelling. The submitted works must be original without any copyright infringements. Twenty participants will be selected and will go through a series of seminars and workshops. They will be guided by experienced mentors within the film industry in the various aspects of screenwriting.
Interested individuals may submit their applications online at https://fdcp.ph/SW-Workshop2024. Deadline for submission of applications for the screenwriting workshop series will be on May 17, 2024. Those who will be accepted in the workshop will be announced on June 14, 2024 across various social media platforms.
