Talk ‘N Text launches 2nd run of tuition subsidy program

MANILA, Philippines - Talk ‘N Text, the value brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently disclosed that following the success of its tuition subsidy program in 2012, it will sustain the initiative with partner schools this coming school year to help ease the financial burden of students and their families amid the rising cost of education in the country.

“The Talk ‘N Text Scholarship is a cash assistance program for college students from select partner schools nationwide. This is our way of giving back to the community for making us the fastest growing prepaid brand in the market today,” said Jane Basas, Smart Prepaid Marketing Group head.

“We have positioned the brand to address not only the communications needs of a large base of customers. We also want our subscribers to feel that with Talk ‘N Text, Araw-Araw Panalo,” added Basas.

For school year 2012-13, Talk ‘N Text has chosen via electronic raffle 12 students for each of the 23 partner-schools, bringing total number of scholars to 276.

The beneficiary-schools included three from the National Capital Region, four from North Central Luzon, three from Southern Luzon, six from Visayas, and seven from Mindanao.

During the awarding held last March 13 at Cagayan de Oro College-PHINMA, all 12 winners of the electronic raffle expressed their thanks to Smart-Talk ‘N Text. But it was April Grace Isma, a freshman student, who profusely thanked Hazel Geneia Almirante, Smart community marketing for partner-schools with tears in her eyes.

“My mother is problematic because we don’t know where to get the money for my tuition. She prayed so hard. Then the next day you called. It was really an answered prayer. My mother was very happy and we are very thankful,” said Isma, who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

To qualify, students must enroll their Talk ‘N Text and Smart cellphone number to the Smart Infoboard, a web-based communication tool that allows the school to broadcast via SMS announcements and other crucial information. To enroll to Infoboard, students may visit the Talk ‘N Text booth during Balik-Eskwela Caravan or they may proceed to their school’s Student Affairs Office.