Learning Hub equips QC community with free Internet access and digital tools

PLDT and Smart Communications Director, President, and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio and Zone V Camera Club President Angela Panlilio with beneficiaries of the Virlanie Foundation

The Learning Hub, where students can broaden their educational experiences, was launched in Barangay Bagong Silangan, QC. The Learning Hub is free-to-use, has computers with pre-installed apps, and internet connection.

Based on the images, there seems to be about six available computers for children to use. The pre-installed apps in the computers weren't specified, but we don't believe they are capable of running power-hungry programs. The purpose of the Learning Hub is for people -- particularly students -- who don't have easy access to the internet, will be able to use this space where they can conduct their research for assignments and projects.

The Learning Hub was booted up by PLDT Home, along with the Zone V Camera Club and the Virlanie Foundation.

“PLDT has long been committed to building a digitally-inclusive Philippines where communities are empowered through technology. Connectivity has become a human right, and we believe in the project’s goal of helping provide quality education to ensure that no learner is left behind,” said PLDT and Smart Communications Director, President, and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio. “We want kids in these communities to have access to the internet’s global databank and create a learning hub.”

The Learning Hub at Brgy. Bagong Silangan, Quezon City

"Witnessing the transformative impact that The Learning Hub will have on our beneficiary communities will be amazing. The potential for a graduating student to positively influence their family's life is profound, and we are honored to be part of such meaningful change,” said Angela Panlilio, President of the Zone V Camera Club which donated the gadgets for communities to use.

“The Learning Hub is a very helpful program, and it fits our foundation’s goals of providing quality education to children,” said Arlene Fernandez, Executive Director of Virlanie Foundation,  an organization that provides a safe space for children of abuse. 

The Learning Hub is part of the sustainable initiative, aligning the PLDT Group with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by boosting the country’s overall digital inclusivity. It likewise supports PLDT and Smart's continuing contributions to the UN SDGs – particularly SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – and reinforces the Group’s broader goal to promote technologies that foster educational and livelihood opportunities.