PLDT, Smart help storm-ravaged school rise again

Smart employees varnish the tables for Balulang National High School’s computer laboratory in time for the turnover of the brand-new personal computers from PLDT-Smart Foundation.

Telco giants PLDT and Smart Communications are coordinating efforts to help rehabilitate a school in Cagayan de Oro damaged by Tropical Storm Sendong last year.

Balulang National High School was severely affected by Sendong, losing its entire computer laboratory, including some 20 personal computers.

As part of its community service initiatives, PLDT and Smart through the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), donated 10 brand-new computers. It also funded the repair and renovation of the computer laboratory, computer tables and chairs, and networking of cables and wires, among others.

A number of volunteers from Smart’s Technology Services Division (TSD), Retail Store and Property and Facilities Management Department (PFMD) helped varnish the custom-made computer tables. They also installed the electrical and cabling requirements for the lab before the PSF turned over the computers to the school early this month.

During the turnover, Mrs. Minda Rebollido, principal of Balulang National High School, thanked PLDT, Smart and PSF for donating the computers and the funds to refurbish the computer lab. She was also thankful to Dr. Myrna Motoomull, former Superintendent of the Department of Education, CDO Division, who suggested to PSF that it donate computers for the school’s laboratory.

“Funding for the rehab of the school came from cash donations of PLDT and Smart employees. They responded to the call for assistance at the height of the disaster,” said PSF President Esther O. Santos. “Through our concerted efforts, we are able to achieve more.”

Smart, in partnership with the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), is also undertaking Project Noah’s Ark in Barangay Macasandig in Cagayan de Oro under its disaster preparedness program.

Project Noah’s Ark is a community preparedness program that aims to increase the capacities of local government units and high-risk communities to cope with the hazards of flooding and prevent casualties during calamities. [END]