PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc., in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST), recently extended support to the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP) community in Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City. The initiative provided essential supplies while promoting responsible waste management, circularity, and disaster preparedness.
Held in celebration of Philippine Environment Month, the outreach was part of PLDT and Smart’s ongoing participation in the XTrash Challenge—a program spearheaded by PBSP and BEST that encourages proper waste segregation and recycling among PBSP member companies. Now in its fifth consecutive year, the program aims to reduce landfill waste by rewarding circular practices.
“Through programs like the XTrash Challenge, we’re not only increasing awareness and participation of our employees in recycling activities —we’re also helping address key concerns of communities. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a circular economy and creating safer, smarter, and more sustainable communities” said Kristine G. Gonzalez-Catague, Head for Corporate Environment, Health and Safety at PLDT, emphasizing the broader impact of the initiative.
PLDT and Smart earned Environmental Points (EPs) by mobilizing employees nationwide to collect and drop off recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, and metal. Each EP, equivalent to Php1.00, was used to purchase grocery packs for SNPP beneficiary families. These were distributed alongside PLDT and Smart Go Bags, reinforcing the Group’s #SafeandSmart advocacy.
Annabelle Luna, President of SNPP, expressed her appreciation for the support. “We are deeply grateful to PLDT and Smart for their continued commitment to our community. The supplies and Go Bags they provided are a big help to our families, especially in preparing for emergencies. More than that, their advocacy for environmental sustainability inspires us to take part in protecting our surroundings.”
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production, this initiative underscores PLDT and Smart’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community resilience.
