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| A senior high school student at St. John's Academy Inc. in Dinalupihan, Bataan trying out mixed reality at the PLDT-Smart Technolab (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) welcomed Senior High School (SHS) students from St. John's Academy Inc. (SJAI) to the PLDT-Smart Technology Laboratory (TechnoLab) during the latest Academe Tech Tour - Alma Mater Edition, broadening the students' horizons about their possible future careers. The students who came all the way from Dinalupihan, Bataan toured the TechnoLab facility situated at the Smart Tower in Makati City where PLDT and Smart explore and test cutting-edge network solutions such as 5G SA, fiber related tech, and cloud native technologies along with future innovations like fully autonomous network and next-generation fixed and wireless communication systems, all designed to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and overall customer experience.
During the tour, the participants learned about Network Disaggregation, Cloudification, Automation, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR), Private 5G, Smart Home and other new and upcoming communications and connectivity solutions not available yet in the market that the PLDT Group is testing. SJAI alumnus and Smart Solutions Architect Supervisor and TechnoLab Officer-in-Charge Jon Elvir Cabiling encouraged the students to take interest in the new technologies demonstrated during the tour, saying, "The Technolab is a center for emerging and cutting-edge technologies, as well as a venue for partnership and collaboration. We hope that this tour will inspire our students to explore their possible career paths after senior high school." SJAI SHS Academic Coordinator Vincent L. Santos accompanied the batch of Grade 11 and Grade 12 students on this exposure trip, explaining, "Most of them want to pursue IT-related courses when they get to college. These trips are very important as they would give them the perspective, and help them reflect about their possible career options in the coming years." Among the students who visited was 17-year-old Joseph Calvin Mallari who said, "It was a very informative visit. What really excited me the most was being able to try gadgets (like the AR and VR goggles) that I used to only hear about."
This event is in line with PLDT and Smart's goal to help foster a culture of innovation among young people through tighter collaboration with the academe. Spearheaded by the PLDT-Smart Network Strategy and Transformation Office (NSTO), the Alma Mater edition of TechnoLab Academe Tech Tour aims to connect students with alumni who are working for the Group in order to build a sense of community and pride and to inspire students who are looking for successful role models, particularly in the Telecom, IT and Engineering industry and for PLDT and Smart executives and employees to give back to their Alma Mater. Underscoring the value of promoting STEM education in the country, this activity is also part of PLDT Group's broader initiatives for inclusive learning that help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 4: Quality Education. This also strengthens the Group's standing as a premier workplace in the country and is in line with the Company’s purpose to inspire innovation and meaningful connections.
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PLDT, Smart Empower Adamson Students To #BeCyberSmart In Age
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) equip students of Adamson University with cybersecurity information to make them CyberSmart in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “Data is the new oil. We must avoid oversharing our personal information because this might be used to take over our accounts or steal our identity. And hackers have been using AI to dupe their victims into giving up their personal data,” said PLDT and Smart Digital Communications Senior Manager Elijah Mendoza. Highlighting the importance of practicing good data hygiene, Mendoza warned students about ‘social engineering’, a type of attack that manipulates victims into sharing confidential information.
One common tactic is ‘phishing’ where criminals can use AI to craft messages imitating legitimate entities then mass send them. These messages coax victims into clicking an embedded link that leads to a malicious domain that mimics the appearance of an organization’s official domain. The malicious site asks for the victims’ login credentials and other sensitive information which can then be used for financial crimes or identity theft. “The seminar highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in the age of AI, particularly how we must be proactive in protecting our personal data and remain aware of evolving threats like phishing and AI-generated scams,” said Robert Jaime D.C. Erandio, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) student at Adamson University. Mendoza also discussed AI-powered tools that can help students identify if the material they’re reading or looking at has been generated by AI including those that can identify if a text message is a scam or not. “AI-powered applications provide us with more options to help make things easier. But I learned from the seminar that it is also important to use these innovations responsibly. I also learned how to protect our sensitive information from hackers and scammers,” said Patricia Marie Timosa, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (ABPolSci) student at Adamson University.
PLDT and Smart also continue to protect customers from scams and fraudulent activities. The PLDT Group urges customers to report text scams to its ‘HULISCAM’ portal at https://smart.com.ph/huliscam. They simply need to take note of the sender’s mobile number or any alphanumeric characters if it is shown, the date when the message was received, the actual message, and the receiver’s location when the message was received. PLDT and Smart actively investigate these messages and permanently block those they find to be fraudulent. The efforts of PLDT and Smart to share #BeCyberSmart tips are rooted in their customer-centric culture where they aim to elevate the quality of customer experience by protecting them from threats and cyber-attacks. Aside from promoting the #BeCyberSmart culture, PLDT and Smart also relentlessly keep customers secure from cyber-attacks by preventing attempts to open malicious domains, and blacklisting malicious URLs and links tied to phishing, spams, hoaxes and other illegal activities.
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Humanizing Media: DLSL ABComm Students Showcase Research At 2024 PACE Conference
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
Five students from De La Salle Lipa’s Bachelor of Arts in (AB) Communication program took the stage at the 2024 Communication and Media Studies Conference (CMSC) to present their research alongside fellow scholars and industry experts. Held at St. Paul University in Quezon City last October 18-19, 2024, the annual conference organized by the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) drew participants from across the country to engage in discussions centered on this year’s theme “Humanizing Communication Ecology: Locating Values In Communication Education And Media Practice". Representing De La Salle Lipa were AB Communication coeds Simone Peter Garcia, Katherine Ysabel Peña, Jessica Joyce Perez, Princess Grace Ramos, and Andrea Isabelle Torno who showcased research that delves into the values, challenges, and opportunities that shape modern communication. Guided by Dr. Cherie Glo Cabungcal, the students’ research contributions reflected a thoughtful exploration of issues impacting the field today. Their presented papers included:
• "Ano'ng Latest? Perceptions Of Communication Students Towards Gossip Culture On Social Media" by Erika May Fresnido and Katherine Ysabel Peña: An investigation into how communication students view gossip culture on social platforms and its influence on modern discourse.
• "Hands That Speak: Assessing The Integration Of Sign Language Into The Communication Program Curriculum" by Sofia Kristin Cadelino, Princess Grace Ramos, and Andrea Isabelle Torno: A study examining the inclusion of sign language in communication education, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity.
• "Exploring The Consequences Of The Universal Question ‘What If?’ In The Context Of Intrapersonal Communication Dilemmas" by Jessica Joyce Perez, Kent Jeric Bunquin, and Simone Peter Garcia: This research delves into intrapersonal communication and how hypothetical self-reflection shapes personal identity and growth.
The CMSC 2024 provided an invaluable platform for DLSL’s students to engage with professionals and fellow academics, strengthening their insights on current topics such as ethical communication, interdisciplinary approaches to community education, and the role of media in today’s post-truth world. Conference chairperson Ernest Collo noted the importance of these discussions, stating, “At the heart of this conversation is the pivotal interplay of values in, of, and with communication education and media practice.” This opportunity enabled De La Salle Lipa’s student-researchers to not only share their academic work but also to contribute to the evolving conversation around humanizing communication and media. Aligned with the strategic priority area on Academics, the students’ feat supports the direction towards advancing research production and fostering creativity and innovative thinking within the institution.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi and Joanne Marie Jumarang, De La Salle Lipa)
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University Of Batangas, Triar University Of Applied Sciences Host Global Conference On Everyday Life, Gender And Sexuality With International Experts
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| (Image Source: University Of Batangas) |
Trier University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) in Germany and the University of Batangas, in partnership with the International Network on Sexualities and Genders within Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science (SexGen-OTOS), hosted the second Global Conference on Everyday Life, Gender, and Sexuality last October 25-26, 2024. This two-day virtual event brought together over 320 participants from exactly 40 countries across the globe featuring keynote lectures, presentations, and panel discussions from internationally renowned speakers, researchers, and gender studies advocates.
The conference kicked off with special messages from key figures in the academic and professional fields. TUAS President Prof. Dr. Dorit Schumann, UB President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn and Samantha Shann, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of integrating gender and sexuality perspectives into occupational therapy and occupational science. Day one of the conference featured a thought-provoking keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. Jeanne Jackson, a leading scholar from Ireland, who explored the historical impact of lived experiences of lesbians. She discussed how societal perceptions of gender and sexuality have evolved and their influence on occupational participation and identity. On the second day, Dr. Rodolfo Morrison, an expert from Chile, presented on the subject of unconventional parenting within LGBTQ+ communities. His talk focused on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ parents and their children as well as the role of occupational therapy in addressing these challenges.
Six additional presentations and two panel discussions featuring experts from the UK, USA, Ireland, and Australia further enriched the sessions. Additionally, on the second day, a UB faculty member presented a Photovoice project on LGBTQ+ healthcare experiences in Metro Manila, emphasizing the need for inclusive reforms in healthcare systems. This event exemplifies the collaborative framework established between TUAS and UB, as formalized in their recent partnership, aiming to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), specifically advancing gender equality and fostering global partnerships. The inaugural Global Conference on Everyday Life, Gender, and Sexuality took place in 2019, hosted by the University of the Philippines Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies in partnership with SexGen-OTOS. Prof. Dr. Jens Schneider and Mr. Rod Charlie Delos Reyes were key organizers of this successful event.
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University Of Batangas Lipa City Kicks Off "UBians Punla Para Sa Kalikasan" Initiative For A Greener Future
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| (Image Source: University Of Batangas) |
University Of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) marked a significant step towards environmental sustainability with the launch of the “UBians Punla Para sa Kalikasan” initiative last October 22, 2024. This event highlighted the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering a greener future through community involvement and education. The kick-off ceremony began with inspiring messages from distinguished administrators and special guests. Their words set a hopeful and encouraging tone for the initiative, reinforcing the need for collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
Central to the event was the ceremonial oath taken by members of the UBLC community who pledged to become Nature Advocates. This solemn promise symbolizes a shared responsibility to protect and nurture the environment while advocating for sustainability in every aspect of life. The oath served as a reminder of the crucial role each individual plays in promoting ecological health and balance. Following the oath, participants engaged in a symbolic seed planting activity which represented the beginning of their journey towards a greener campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official transfer of seeds to the newly established UBian Seedling Nursery, a space dedicated to nurturing future plants and trees. This nursery will play a vital role in the university’s ongoing environmental initiatives. Participants also demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by signing or leaving a thumbprint on a pledge board, further solidifying their promise to uphold the values of environmental care. This act not only represented individual commitments but also fostered a sense of unity among attendees, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential for achieving meaningful change.
The success of the “UBians Punla Para Sa Kalikasan” initiative is attributed to the collaboration among various university departments. The UBLC Community Extension Services, along with the Management of Assets and General Services Office and Building and Maintenance Department, worked tirelessly to organize this impactful project. Their combined efforts ensure that the initiative is not just a one-time event but the beginning of a sustained commitment to environmental advocacy. As UBLC commence on this vital mission, the university community is encouraged to actively participate in future activities and initiatives that promote sustainability. Together, UBians can cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility, inspiring others to join in the pursuit of a cleaner and greener future for all.
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Smart, SM, National University Team Up To Promote E-Waste Disposal And Recycling
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| (Image Source: National University) |
To boost action and promote the circular economy particularly to colleges and universities in the Philippines, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) formalized a partnership to promote proper electronic waste (e-waste) disposal and recycling with the National University (NU) and SM Cares of SM Supermalls in Manila. Under its "Be Kind. Recycle." program, Smart continues to engage with communities, particularly with schools and students, so that they can properly dispose of their e-waste, enable recycling, and contribute to the movement towards a circular economy within their communities.
Present during the signing were NU Vice President for Operations Dr. Arlene O. Trillanes, NU Group Academic Officer and Chief Information Officer Dr. Rosauro E. Manuel, Smart Vice President and Head of Channel Management Jacqueline N. Bocalan, Smart Officer-in-Charge for NCR Wireless Sales Erickson E. Castro, Smart Senior Community Development Officer Aiza C. Najera, and PLDT and Smart Corporate Sustainability Executives Rhea Dienzo and April May Kagaoan. Students, faculty, and staff, as well as visitors can drop off their e-waste in PLDT and Smart e-waste collection bins located in select NU campuses. Accepted e-waste items include old and broken telephones, routers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, chargers, cords, batteries, power banks, USBs, among others. E-waste collected are brought to accredited e-waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. These facilities are operated by skilled workers and equipped with proper tools to harvest valuable components for recycling and dispose of hazardous components in e-waste. Such process generates recycled plastics, metals, and other components that can be used as raw materials to produce new electronics and devices.
Through these collaborations and initiatives, PLDT and Smart continue to support the country’s transition to a Circular Economy. As a key component of the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the circular economy is aimed at reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of sustainable modes of production and consumption.
