Opens invitation for start-ups, developers, and tech visionaries.

MANILA, Philippines, October 7, 2016 - Leading telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT is launching a hackathon competition open for developers, coders, innovators, visionaries, start-ups, and tech students in Metro Manila and Metro Davao to develop innovative digital solutions that enhance customer experience.

Part of the celebration of its 88th Anniversary, the PLDT 88 Hackathon Challenge underscores the Company’s commitment to provide innovative services to its millions of customers to improve their lives and help in nation-building.

“Serving our customers is the core of PLDT’s mission. As PLDT turns more and more digital, we are also deploying digital solutions to provide better, more personalized customer service,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The competition is open to developers, coders, hackers, programmers, engineers, IT professionals, and students who must form a group of 2-4 individuals. Interested individuals or groups can register their names or group members at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/pldt-88-hackathon-challenge-pre-hack-event-tickets-28359261314 to attend the pre-hack briefing happening at the PLDT main office in Makati on Oct. 28.

The Manila leg of the hackathon will run on November 12-13 at the PLDT Boni TelTec in Mandaluyong and while the Davao leg will be held on November 19-20 at the PLDT Davao Innolab in Poblacion St., Davao City. Successful registrants are challenged to come up with solutions that address common service issues and enhance the over-all customer experience of PLDT subscribers.

Participants will conceptualize, build, hack, and present their solutions on their chosen category within the 2-day programs for both legs. Winning groups from both hackathon legs will then compete and pitch their winning ideas to PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan for a chance at winning the Php 100,000.00 grand prize, and a chance at getting their solution funded or implemented.

“We’ve helped put up a lot of hackathon events and we can see the very healthy and creative community of hackers, developers and programmers coming up with unique and new solutions that, with further development and funding, could actually become marketable and feasible in everyday operations,” said PLDT VP and Head of Mainstream Business Development and Research Joey Limjap.

“We are confident that the next big idea is out there, and we hope we can help make those digital solutions happen.”