PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are ramping up their bayanihan-driven initiatives with barangays across Metro Manila and nearby provinces to help safeguard telco infrastructure and ensure continuous services for customers. This helps ensure that digital access, now a basic need for education, livelihood, and connection, remains strong and uninterrupted.
To strengthen this lifeline, PLDT and Smart, through their Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, recently teamed up with barangays in Rodriguez, Rizal; Quezon City; and Pasay City to engage barangay leaders and residents on the importance of safeguarding critical network facilities including cables, network access points (NAPs), cabinets, manholes, and other external assets from theft, vandalism, and other threats.
“When we protect our infrastructure together with barangays, we are really protecting people’s lifelines — whether it’s students attending online classes, families staying in touch, or small businesses growing through digital tools,” said Leo A. Gonzales, Vice President and Head of Property, Facilities, and Asset Resiliency Management at PLDT and Smart.
In Barangay San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal, the activity was led by Arnie R. Cordero, Head of Greater Metro Manila (GMM) North Asset Protection Division (APD), together with barangay captain Glenn Evangelista and officials, while barangay chair Telesforo Mortega and barangay leads joined the session led by Cordero and Jose Carlos C. Oliver, Head of Asset Protection Operations Center (APOC) in Barangay San Roque, Quezon City.
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PLDT and Smart are spreading the 'bayanihan spirit' to more barangays and enlisting their help to protect telco infrastructure to ensure continuous internet services for customers. Through their Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, PLDT and Smart recently teamed up with Brgy San Roque in Quezon City, Brgy San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal and Brgy 183 in Pasay City to engage barangay leaders and residents on the importance of safeguarding critical network facilities from theft, vandalism, and other threats.
Meanwhile, in Barangay 183, Pasay City, the activity was spearheaded by Willie S. Antalan, Head of GMM South APD, alongside barangay captain Alvin A. Zuñiga, with participation from barangay officers and zone leaders. "We are grateful for opportunities to collaborate with companies like PLDT and Smart, especially for activities like this that bring crucial information down to the community level," said Zuñiga.
To boost barangay patrols, PLDT and Smart turned over security gear including vests, caps, umbrellas, flashlights, night sticks, and handcuffs. PLDT Home and Smart retail representatives also joined on-site to assist residents with connectivity and service-related concerns.
“Strengthening ties with barangays sharpens our collective vigilance against threats to telco facilities and helps deter theft and vandalism before they happen,” added Col. Wilfredo F. Gonio (Ret), Head of PLDT and Smart’s Security Central Command & Administration Center.
By involving barangays in safeguarding telco infrastructure, PLDT and Smart are helping create safer, more resilient communities where digital inclusion can thrive. This community-first approach strengthens trust, fosters accountability, and ensures that technology continues to serve as a bridge to progress for millions of Filipinos.
These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
