Leading the Provincial Information Office of Lanao del Sur, Salma Jayne Tamano empowers Maranao communities through information. Aside from ensuring that information is cascaded efficiently throughout the province, she regularly conducts capacity building trainings on basic journalism for other public servants.

“I teach them how to write articles and take good photos using their smartphones. I believe in transferring technology for societal and community development,” she said.

Salma Jayne believes that being a communicator is not just a profession but a mission to positively influence others. As a woman leader, she believes that women must have faith in themselves to effect positive change in society and in nation-building.

“I keep telling myself that as long as I have good intentions, I should never allow anybody to stop me from trying to make this world a better place in my own way. We all have a purpose in life and once we find that purpose, life becomes more meaningful,” she said.

She credits technology and connectivity for enabling her to accomplish her role more efficiently and is thankful for the services of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in the province.

Using Infocast, an SMS-broadcast service powered by Smart, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur was able to propagate important advisories for Maranaos during the height of the pandemic. “Smart Infocast has been a helpful tool to the province in providing updates to barangay and municipal leaders, program partners, and other communities,” she said.

This initiative to leverage on digital technologies to improve the lives of partner communities falls under the PLDT group’s commitment to help the Philippines attain the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.