PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications have signed a partnership agreement with West Visayas State University (WVSU) to develop application aimed at teaching students how to speak and write in Hiligaynon, a predominant language in West Visayas region.
“We at PLDT and Smart continue to support the creation of mobile literacy applications like the #LearnSmart Hiligaynon app and collaborate with like-minded institutions like WVSU to create age-appropriate and culturally responsive content that not only help in early learning development but also foster the awareness and appreciation of the local culture among students,” said Marylou Gocotano, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations head.
The Hiligaynon app, once ready, will be the 11th mother-tongue based literacy app developed by PLDT and Smart designed to promote and enrich the Philippines’ local languages and diverse culture.
“We are advocates of helping shape young minds in learning how to be well versed in the first language and we hope to achieve this goal by creating engaging materials and tools with the help of technology. This collaboration between WVSU, PLDT and Smart is a very good example of academe-industry partnership. My heart is full because you chose us as your partner. Rest assured that we will do our part because we believe that we are stronger when we are working together,” said Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, WVSU vice president for academic affairs.
