PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently supported Bulacan State University’s (BulSU) and Modern Nanays of Mindanao’s launch of Mother’s Milk (MoM) app in Cagayan de Oro City, in collaboration with Rotaract Carmen. BulSU, a partner of Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), started the MoM as the Liquid Gold (Breastmilk) Tracker as its entry to Smart’s Innovation Generation Program (InnoGen) in 2020, earning one of the top spots in the competition and a P100,000 grant from the telco.

Smart supports BulSU innovators’ and Mindanao moms’ app

Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head for Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, said, “We are happy to have catalyzed the fruition of the MoM App and that InnoGen continues to be part of the team’s pursuit to empower women and mothers in their breastfeeding journey. Innovation is at the heart of what we do at PLDT and Smart, so we are very excited to witness the impact the MoM App will have on communities.”

The BulSU team led by Engr. Dennis dela Cruz further developed the app and partnered with the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, who have been active breastfeeding advocates since 2016. “As part of Smart InnoGen, we are grateful for your continuous support, and we are confident that we will benefit from your guidance as we move forward with our venture,” dela Cruz said.

Designed to provide accessible breastfeeding support, the MoM app contains free breastfeeding information, makes counseling sessions with licensed professionals available for new mothers, and also facilitates breastmilk donation.

Nadine Casiño, Modern Nanays of Mindanao founder, believes technology plays a crucial role in their advocacy. She shared, "Technology makes processes more efficient and provides better access to services and data. Mothers should not be left behind, and we should embrace the convenience technology can bring."

InnoGen is Smart’s incubation program that provides a venue for young innovators to come up with digital solutions to help their communities. BulSU was among 13 successful teams who successfully completed the requirements to receive their monetary grant. To further develop their project, the team was also guided by Smart mentors and trainers.

Season 3 of Innogen is currently underway, with around 50 college and Senior High School teams who will participate in Demo Day in May. The program is part of Smart’s initiatives that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) No. 4 on Quality Education.

About Smart

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network*, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content to over 71.8 million Filipinos*, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.

*as of end-March 2021