IN Lanao del Sur’s Masiu 2 District, education stakeholders attest how the learning technique supported by Smart is addressing critical issues during the pandemic. Maranao parent Raquelah Pangantapun commends how the learning resources provided by Smart have made distance learning easier for her and her children. “Since the learning activity sheets are short and simple, my kids don’t have a hard time copying and answering them properly,” she says. “I am really grateful that my children can continue their studies with the help of the teachers and the learning activity sheets they provide." Education stakeholders in Lanao del Sur have been benefiting from a recent series of virtual workshops involving the crisis-resilient education strategy CVIF-DLP, organized by PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. in preparation for the school year 2020-2021. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Maranao teachers, learners, and parents have stayed resilient, adapting to the new normal with the help of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation-Dynamic Learning Program or CVIF-DLP, supported by Smart for over 10 years now. The education strategy has proven pandemic-resilient. Under the independent learning strategy, learners are required to copy and answer the CVIF-DLP Learning Activity Sheets (CVIF-DLP LAS) by hand. A key component of the program, the single-paged worksheets feature concise content and can be easily understood without supervision from teachers or parents. “Learners have been able to answer the learning activity sheets on their own,” shares grade school teacher Faizaliah Faisal. “Even if it is short, it still enhances their critical thinking skills as long as the CVIF-DLP LAS is aligned to their learning capability.” The independent learning strategy has been proven to build self-confidence, a sense of ownership, discipline, and creativity in learners. “Program alumni since its inception in the early 2000s were recorded to achieve exemplary academic performance and were able to pass entrance examinations for universities here and abroad,” says Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP for Community Partnerships at Smart. Smart has reinforced its support to the community through its online platforms by making CVIF-DLP Ambassadors available to those who have questions regarding the program. “Even prior to the health crisis, Smart has actively promoted inclusive learning among Maranao communities, through the donation of School-in-a-Bag portable digital classrooms and pieces of training on the CVIF-DLP,” Orlino shares. Supplied photo In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Learning Continuity Plan, Smart previously announced that selected CVIF-DLP LAS can be downloaded for free from DepEd Commons at www.commons.deped.gov.ph. These can be accessed by Smart and TNT subscribers even without data load. Smart’s education initiatives are among the key pillars of the company’s campaign to #LiveSmarter for a #BetterWorld. Under the movement, Smart aims to inspire people to commit to sustainable actions with lasting, positive impacts on society. Developed by Theoretical Physicists and Ramon Magsaysay laureates Dr. Christopher Bernido and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido, the CVIF-DLP is scientifically proven effective to harness future-ready skills and develop competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM. Even with a lack of teachers and materials, unstable power supply, among others, CVIF-DLP has enabled learning communities in Lanao Del Sur to ensure that no Maranao learner is left behind. “The program was found to be an effective strategy to continue education amidst pandemic even in the absence of connectivity, gadgets, and electricity,” says Dr. Nihayma Macasindil, district supervisor of the DepEd Masiu 2 District. Endorsed by the DepEd as one of only three supplementary learning resources for modular teaching this academic year, Masiu 2 District is helping inspire and educate more teachers about the program. “Because of the CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program, we have an efficient alternative to the mainstream learning strategies in urban areas. We have successfully implemented a meaningful learning innovation,” says Dr. Macasindil. For more information on CVIF-DLP, visit www.dlp.ph, follow Dynamic Learning Program on Facebook or send an email to LearnSmart@smart.com.ph. (PR)