PLDT, Smart Back AI-Enhanced Learning in Philippine Schools

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. are reaffirming their commitment to inclusive education by supporting the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Central Visayan Institute Foundation – Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP). The innovative and crisis-resilient pedagogy was developed by esteemed Filipino physicists and Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher Bernido and the late Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido.

Speaking at the SEAMEO INNOTECH 16th International Conference – AI in Education: Unlocking Potential Through Accessible and Equitable Learning – Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the synergy between AI and CVIF-DLP. “In recent workshops, we have demonstrated how AI can help teachers create and refine learning materials and assist in other administrative tasks, which leaves them more time to engage with students,” she said.

CVIF-DLP is a student-centric teaching methodology that flips the traditional model on its head. Instead of lectures, students learn through self-paced, one-page Learning Activity Sheets (LAS), designed to foster independence, discipline, and critical thinking. Teachers step in as mentors and facilitators who are focused on guiding students, rather than managing repetitive classroom tasks.

Public-Private-Community Partnerships are crucial for AI adoption, especially in underserved communities. “Government can craft supportive policies, build the infrastructure, and conduct digital skills trainings; the private sector and civil society can develop the technology and provide access to devices and connectivity; the academe can generate the content; and the community of learners can ensure usage of the AI tools,” Orlino added.

PLDT and Smart have long played a vital role in scaling CVIF-DLP, especially in far-flung and underserved areas of the Philippines. Buoyed by its decades-long partnership with the PLDT Group, the Department of Education (DepEd), has recognized the value of CVIF-DLP and plans to roll out the program in select public schools nationwide in the coming school year.

The CVIF-DLP highlights PLDT and Smart’s commitment to inclusive quality education through Information and Communications Technology, content, pedagogy and capacity building to ensure that there is #NoLearnerLeftBehind. The initiative is also aligned with the PLDT Group’s broad program to help the country achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.