A literacy app developed by Smart Communications was recently shortlisted at this year’s Asia Mobile Awards. It is the only Filipino entry recognized this year by the award-giving body, which honors the latest and most innovative mobile products, apps, devices, services, and initiatives.
The application promotes mother tongue literacy through various lessons, videos, storytelling, songs, and games.
Currently, the app is available in Tagalog; Cebuano; Arabic; Matisalug, the language of an indigenous tribe local to the Davao Region and province of Bukidnon; Waray; Katao or Inabaknon, which is native to Northern Samar; Kapampangan; and Ilokano.
The app is often introduced through Smart’s “School-in-a-Bag program,” which is comprised of a big backpack containing a laptop, tablets, TV, a solar panel with batteries, pocket Wi-Fi, and educational content.
Last year, the program visited Trangka Elementary School in Maasin, Iloilo.
Recent programs geared toward promoting mother tongues were introduced to the region last May, when the Iloilo City Public Library conducted a training focused on developing children’s books in the mother tongue at the City Hall penthouse.
City Librarian Marion Aguirre said, “This will help children, particularly those taught [in] English, to be familiar with and to be able to speak the mother tongue.”
The Asia Mobile Awards are scheduled to take place during the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, which runs from June 26 to 28./WDJ