10 outstanding community projects bared by Smart

SMART Communications Inc. announced the ten projects that stood out among over a hundred entries that were submitted during the first round of its social development initiative, payITfwd.

PayITfwd aims to enable the spread of social good acts using the technology.

Smart is rewarding each of these 10 community-based projects with five tablets and a technology grant of P50,000.

The tablets have Smart Bro pocket Wi-Fi Internet connection, and P3,000 worth of load credits.

“Technology can help increase efficiency in operations and expand the reach of these projects. Most of these social good deeds are done by volunteers with limited resources. With Smart’s technology solutions, we hope to help spread social good to keep the ‘good’ going,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto.

Participants submitted their entries in video, demonstrating the nature of the project, how it is helping the beneficiary community, and how Smart’s technology package and grant can further scale up their project.

outreach program

Rural Education and Cultural Outreach Program is an 18-man volunteer team that goes up the mountains of Negros Occidental to offer two-day outreach program to impoverished communities. The program includes training on nutrition, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; interactive storytelling sessions; art and culture; film showings; art exhibits and competitions.

Rowena Verona Silvederio founded the Kalibo Sakeros Football Club Inc. She believed football development program in the grassroots will enhance the kids’ social values.

virtual health centers

Dr. Roel Z. Cagape, a medical doctor from General Santos City, has witnessed at an early age how poverty prevented his community access to medical services. He introduced the virtual health centers where patients in far-flung areas can avail of consultation through text.

HOPE Project is all about Helping Other People Earn. The project, based in Iligan City, trains students on how to get online jobs to earn extra income and support their way through college.

The Rebirth Outdoor Trekkers (Rota) is comprised of mountaineers who nurture outdoor activities with community service. The group regularly delivers sponsored school supplies, food and shoes to students in the hinterlands of Mindanao.

Hearts and Brains Inc. or HABI, also based in General Santos, is composed of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who conduct medical missions, feeding programs and livelihood assistance to marginalized sectors of the community. The group developed the Walking Blood Data Bank to aid patients who need blood donors.

recycle notebooks

The Notebook Exchange Project is a social entrepreneurship program that aims to combat the garbage problem in Montalban, Rizal. Julio Babagay, 13, and his fellow kids recycle their old notebooks, redesign them and then sell them. They would then donate a portion of the proceeds to charity.

Alternative learning teacher Reuben C. Herrera had to build a school in the mountains of Palawan so he could reach out to both kid and adult students and provide them with a regular site for learning.

Switotwins.com is a digital storytelling journal for children. It features children stories in video format.

Hinabing Buhay is a community-building enterprise led by young Bikolano visionaries. It started as a school requirement that eventually became a budding business. These young professionals trained mothers in Legazpi City how to create Mr. Kengkoy backpacks for their livelihood.

Smart will be accepting entries for the second round of payITfwd until end-November. For details, visit www.smart.com.ph/payITfwd.