Smart integrates disprep training in Brigada

MANILA, Philippines - Just before the opening of classes every year, thousands of employee-volunteers from various companies troop to public schools all over the country, to help transform classrooms into conducive places of learning for children.

Leading wireless services provider Smart Communication, Inc. (Smart) is among the long-time partners of Brigada Eskwela, encouraging its employees nationwide to support the facility improvement program of the Department of Education (DepEd) by cleaning, repainting and even furnishing classrooms. 

This year, Smart is integrating Business Continuity Management (BCM) in Brigada Eskwela, to make its partner-schools more resilient and prepared for the increasing intensity and frequency of disasters in the country. 

“We want to promote sustainability beyond physical improvements in schools. We will introduce BCM as part of Brigada Eskwela to ensure that schools have systems in place to reduce their vulnerabilities during disasters,” said Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

“Education plays a key role in molding young minds.  As places of learning, we want to help the schools reduce the disruptive impact caused by disasters to the students’ education.  We also want to further raise awareness on the pressing global problem on climate change,” added Isberto.

The move followed the DepEd’s call to the private sector to help make schools prepared for the onslaught of disasters and calamities.

The DepEd is already working with Smart for a series of initiatives that will ensure continuity of education even during emergency situations.  For one, the DepEd has asked Smart’s help in strengthening the technical capabilities of its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Smart will support the agency in organizing trainings as well as developing and producing Information, Education and Communications (IEC) materials on disaster reduction and climate change adaptation. At the same time, Smart will provide information and communications technology (ICT) support that includes mobile phones, media tablets, pocket Wifi, and load provision during emergencies and disasters.

As part of the communications support, Smart will also set up for DepEd DRRMO the Infoboard service.  The Smart Infoboard is a web-based solution that offers various SMS facilities with different functions and capabilities catering to the needs of a specific community. This has proven to be a very useful information, communications and warning tool for high-risk communities during disasters.