Over 200 #PlantSmart kits were distributed by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to various public schools across Visayas as support for Brigada Eskwela 2023, promoting food security and sustainable agriculture among elementary and high school students.

The latest #PlantSmart kit beneficiaries in Visayas are the following: Cabatuan National Comprehensive High School and Maasin Central Elementary School in Panay Island; Negros Oriental High School and Piapi National High School in Negros Oriental; Rafael Alunan Elementary School and Recreo Elementary School in Negros Occidental; Cabancalan National High School, Sudlon National High School, and DepEd Cebu City Division in Cebu.

Each kit contains easy-to-grow vegetable seeds, loam soil, and organic fertilizers, which aim to provide additional resources for the schools’ Gulayan sa Paaralan and assist in their food security efforts.

Being located in Barangay Alangilan, the vegetable capital in Bacolod City, Rafael Alunan Elementary School (RAES) seeks to be an advocate of vegetable production and train their learners in growing fresh, chemical-free vegetables.

"With humble hearts, we extend our gratitude to PLDT and Smart for bringing these planting kits to our school. With their support, we can now commence and realize our dream of a PLDT and Smart-powered Gulayan sa Paaralan," said Melanie D. Llasos, RAES School Principal.

"We were inspired by the advocacy of RAES for the prevention of malnutrition in their community. The crops that they will grow will be fed to their students to ensure that they are properly nourished. We at Smart are honored to take part of this meaningful initiative through our #PlantSmart program," said Joy Bonda, Customer Development Manager for Negros Occidental at Smart.

The #PlantSmart program aligns with PLDT and Smart's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #2: Zero Hunger and SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being.