PLDT, Smart continue to help promote food security in Mindanao

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