PLDT, Smart, and Teach for the Philippines strengthen digital safety awareness among young learners in CDO

As kids spend more time online, learning how to stay safe in the digital world has become just as important as lessons inside the classroom. In Cagayan de Oro City, PLDT and Smart teamed up with Teach for the Philippines to help young learners understand online risks and build healthy digital habits early on.

Through interactive storytelling, digital safety lessons, and even support for school nutrition programs, the initiative shows how technology companies and educators can work together to protect children both online and offline. For parents and communities, it is a reminder that digital safety starts with awareness, guidance, and shared responsibility.

PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. recently collaborated with Teach for the Philippines (TFP), an education-focused non-government organization, to bring the #BeCyberSmart program to Taguanao Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro City, guiding young learners toward responsible and mindful online behavior. 

Students enjoyed an interactive storytelling by TFP volunteers. The session featured Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala (The Adventures of Tala), a PLDT Group original storybook developed with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network, and co-launched with the Department of Justice. The book follows Tala, a 9-year-old girl who explores the metaverse and learns about her rights and the different online dangers she may encounter. PLDT and Smart also donated copies of the book to help teachers reinforce digital safety lessons at school.  

“When children understand the world they’re growing up in—online and offline—they learn to protect themselves,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Being cybersmart is more than just safety—it’s about empowering kids with the confidence to explore and act wisely in today’s digital world.” 

 PLDT and Smart likewise turned over #PlantSmart kits, containing vegetable seeds, organic fertilizer, and loam soil, to support the school’s “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program and encourage parents to grow vegetables at home to strengthen family nutrition. “The plant kits will help our gulayan propagate more varieties of vegetables for our feeding program. Parents can also start their own home gardens,” shared Principal Jobert Mangmang-Salingay. “The storybooks, meanwhile, guide our learners on their rights and safety online, especially now that digital risks are becoming more common.” 

These initiatives form part of PLDT and Smart’s broader efforts to advance digital wellness, strengthen community partnerships, and support quality learning environments for Filipino children—contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals