PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have reaffirmed their commitment to using technology to contribute to food security, particularly in Mindanao, by distributing PlantSmart Kits to schools across the region. Complementing the PlantSmart kits is ‘Kalye Mabunga’, an online video series that provides beneficiaries with a step-by-step guide to successfully starting and maintaining edible gardens. The PlantSmart-Kalye Mabunga initiative supports the Department of Education’s ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan Program’, which aims to promote sustainable gardening practices among students.
Each PlantSmart Kit includes essential materials such as seeds, a bucket, nutrient solution, hydroton, and rockwool. The kit is perfect for using the Kratky method, a hydroponic technique where the plants are suspended above a covered container of nutrient-rich water, making it an almost hands-off endeavor.
Each #PlantSmart kit contains with seeds, nutrient solution, hydroton, and rockwool, helping communities to start their own edible gardens.
“Part of the broader PLDT Group mission of lifting the quality of life of Filipinos is to create technology-driven solutions to help address community challenges, including food insecurity. The Plant Smart kits and the ‘Kalye Mabunga’ video series underscore PLDT and Smart’s long-term commitment to supporting the government’s initiatives towards improving the lives of Filipinos,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of the Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.
Since 2021, the telco group has partnered with schools and like-minded organizations to promote sustainable gardening and equip communities with the skills to grow their own food. Today, more schools in the southern Philippine region have expanded their sustainable gardens with PLDT and Smart’s help. Among the recent recipients of the PlantSmart Kits were Don Mariano Elementary School in Digos City, Leonard Young Sr. National High School in General Santos City, Simsiman Integrated School in Nurala town in the province of South Cotabato, Teodoro Palma Gil National High School, and Luman Elementary School in Davao City.
Orlando Artiaga, Gulayan sa Paaralan Coordinator at Don Mariano Elementary School, is grateful for the additional food sources. “These planting kits will ensure year-round food production, even in limited spaces, greatly supporting food sustainability for our undernourished learners. Your generosity not only benefits our school but also inspires our community to adopt this innovative system for our Gulayan.”
PLDT and Smart’s efforts to use technology to contribute to food security underscores their commitment to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
