Leveraging strong community partnerships and technology, PLDT Inc (PLDT) has halved the material cost of its losses between 2022 and 2024. Through its Asset Protection & Security Risk Governance (APSRG) group, the company collaborates with local communities and employs proactive monitoring strategies to combat theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, enhancing network resilience.
"Community engagement is at the heart of our security strategy. With partners in barangays, military, police and local government, we harness 'force multipliers' to protect critical telco assets in high-risk areas. By strengthening local partnerships, conducting anti-fencing initiatives, and equipping our community partners with essential tools, we create a security network that extends far beyond our personnel," said Leo A. Gonzales, VP and Head of Property Facilities and Asset Resiliency Management.
With over 2,000 collaborative efforts in 2024 alone, bulk of which have been conducted with barangays, PLDT remains committed to grassroots security and proactive asset protection. While loss incidents remained stable from 2022 to 2024, the material cost of losses dropped by over 50%, highlighting the effectiveness of PLDT's integrated security approach despite operational constraints.
Alongside community efforts, PLDT has boosted its tech capabilities through its '164 Security Command Center', which handles security, emergency response, and intelligence dissemination. The unit also launched a real-time dashboard to monitor roving guard activities and incidents, improving response time.
"Our commitment to protecting company assets goes beyond our direct security personnel," said Col. Willie F. Gonio, Head of Security Central Command and Administration Center at PLDT. "By engaging communities and strategically deploying technology, we are creating a more comprehensive and responsive security ecosystem. The reduction in material losses despite challenges underscores the impact of this integrated approach, and we will continue to innovate and strengthen these partnerships."
With its dual focus on community collaboration and advanced security technologies, PLDT continues to enhance asset protection, adapting to evolving security threats while ensuring the resilience of the telecommunications sector.
These initiatives support PLDT’s mission to deliver reliable service and advance the Philippines' sustainable development by securing critical telecom infrastructure, and thereby ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for businesses, education, and emergency response. These efforts align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting resilient infrastructure and technological progress through strategic security measures and strong community partnerships.
