08 October 2009

PLM formally launched the special partnership with telecom giant SMART Philippines in successive ceremonies conducted at the University Library and the University Activity Center today. Launched were two (2) of the many projects that SMART had benefited upon PLM, particularly the PLM InfoBoard and the PLM Community SIMs, as well as the unveiling of the two (2) desktop computers for the free Internet access of scholars and faculty members at the Internet Station. Known as the PLM-SMART Friendship Terminals, the desktops embody the ideals of both leading institutions in the country to uplift the level of education in the country, with the former as the "leading scholars' university" and the latter as the "leading wireless service provider."

University officials were on-hand in witnessing the formalization of the meaningful partnership, which memorandum of agreement was signed late July 2009. The inauguration of the desktops at the University Library was led by President Adel Tamano and SMART Wireless Consumer Solutions head James Bernas. These desktops have beefed up the current units that may be used by scholars and public servants of PLM for their academic and research pursuits which is a pet project of Tamano.

SMART's donations to PLM, including the desktops, were a clear manifestation of SMART's corporate social responsibility by supporting laudable education programs. Mr. Bernas said that SMART had been selecting private entities as beneficiaries of the program, and it is high time that it redirects its focus on public/scholars' universities. PLM became the "first public university and the first scholars' or honors' school" to benefit from the community services of the InfoBoard.

A launch program followed at the UAC with a ceremonial MOA signing and turn-over of the mock-up PLM SIM witnessed by University officials, student leaders and scholars. President Tamano received the mock-up PLM SIM on behalf of the University for having spearheaded the innovative project. Through the IT Center's efforts, PLM became the "first institution in the Philippines to use a customized printed name on the SIM."

Upon insistent demand and clamor from those who have not yet availed of their PLM SIM, another wave of distribution has been set today, 08 October, and Friday, 09 October, also at the UAC.



Related articles:
President Tamano's Accomplishments: PLM InfoBoard: The Power of community mobile exchange
President Tamano's Accomplishments: Personalized PLM SIM: A source of a privileged pride and honor
PLM-SMART Partnership, 29 Oct 2009: PLM gets SMART Infoboard and School SIM
The Philippine Star, 12 Nov 2009: PLM community gets smarter with Smart Infoboard, SIM
PhotoJournal: Launch of PLM-SMART partnership, PLM InfoBoard & PLM SIM