PLDT, Smart, Holy Cross of Davao College nurture future tech leaders

Through their renewed, 21-year partnership with Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. are helping cultivate a new generation of Filipino innovators in Mindanao whose skills in emerging technologies can power industries, strengthen communities, and drive inclusive national progress.

The partnership began in May 2004 with the turnover of a Smart Wireless Laboratory equipped with analog and digital tools that simulate a real telecommunications environment. Over the years, the SWEEP lab has continuously evolved to keep up with the latest technology trends, giving students hands-on learning experiences, bridging classroom lessons with real-world applications and providing mentorship and innovation opportunities.

Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the long-standing impact of the partnership. “For 21 years, our collaboration has provided practical training for hundreds of faculty and students on evolving technologies, from analog to today’s AI revolution. We remain committed to this mission of instilling a culture of innovation, so together we can build a better and more sustainable future.”

The signing of the new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) coincided with HCDC’s 74th founding anniversary, making the event a celebration of legacy, a strengthening of ties, and the affirmation of a shared vision for the future. Smart also held an AI workshop for HCDC faculty, equipping educators with practical and responsible ways to integrate AI tools for teaching, productivity and student mentoring.

“In our mission and vision, we always say we would like to become agents of social transformation. With this partnership, we will have better connections to serve our students so that we remain efficient and effective agents of social transformation,” Brother Noelvic Deloria, HCDC President said.

To date, Smart engineers have trained 407 faculty and students from various SWEEP schools across the country, with the program continuing to grow in reach and relevance.

This partnership supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting inclusive, tech-driven learning and community development.