PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to change lives through technology with the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP). Marking its 20th year, SWEEP remains steadfast in its commitment towards achieving academic and professional excellence among its network of colleges and universities in the Philippines.
“We at PLDT and Smart believe in the vital role of innovation and technology in shaping today’s world towards a better future. We are glad to share PLDT and Smart’s technology with participating schools, students, and mentors through SWEEP,” shared Arvin L. Siena, Vice President and Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation Office at PLDT and Smart.
The country’s first and longest-running industry-academe linkage, SWEEP has extended learning opportunities to students and faculty through technical training, mentorship sessions, and immersive industry experiences in the last two decades.
One of SWEEP’s pioneers, 38-year-old Wendy Cabrera, looked back on her journey and shared how this program enabled her to help others.
“Our team developed ’Smart Kiosk’, a one-stop shop for mobile communications, to reach those who have limited to zero access and to help bring mobile services closer to those who need it the most,” shared Wendy.
Another SWEEP participant, 30-year-old Mark Colentava, together with his team, embarked on an educational journey to Silicon Valley after winning The SWEEP Awards in 2014.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Mark recalled their visit to the global center for high technology and innovation and gave advice to past, present, and future SWEEP participants.
“Think about a problem you want to address or the kind of change you want to bring into your community, your country, and to the world. Stay true to this mission and your great ideas on technology and innovation will come at the right time and in the right place,” shared Mark.
These teams were among the many SWEEP batches whose passion for technology paved the way for being changemakers towards a better and smarter world.
SWEEP trainers Dennis Manzarate and Ronald Ramos of PLDT and Smart People Group also shared their most favorite moments of being instrumental in the educational journey of SWEEP participating schools.
“Part of SWEEP’s advantages include the provision of the actual equipment for training and globally recognized certifications,” said Dennis Manzarate.
“SWEEP also equipped participants with knowledge and skills that helped build their core competencies on current and emerging technologies over time,” shared Ronald Ramos.
PLDT and Smart underscore the significance of fostering industry-academe partnerships to the growth and development of tertiary students and educators. This is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #4: Quality Education.