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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 ‘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. 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 initiative
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 benefits our school and 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. pr
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