Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have reiterated their support for the government's push to help more local government units digitalize and streamline their processes.
At a recent kickoff of the eLGU Caravan led by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), mayors from all over the country pledged their support for this endeavor through the improvement of bureaucratic efficiency and adoption of innovative solutions toward effective public service delivery.
"We welcome and support the Government's efforts to promote ease of doing business by streamlining its processes, especially as it rolls out the red carpet to its partners in the private sector, instead of red tape," said Atty. Pamela B. Felizarta, Head of Joint Strategic Operations at Smart.
PLDT is also set to turn over refurbished desktop computers to boost the nationwide rollout of the eLGU program, which seeks to automate the processing of business permits, related clearances, and licenses in all cities and municipalities.
"PLDT and Smart are always ready to work hand-in-hand with the Government to deliver leveled-up services to Filipinos across the country," said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
This support is aligned with PLDT and Smart's longstanding partnership with the Government as a whole to narrow the digital divide, bringing the benefits of the internet closer to more Filipinos across the country.
This includes PLDT and Smart's support for ARTA's telco workshops, and the Group's participation in the crafting of Executive Order No. 32, streamlining the permitting process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country, which was signed by President Marcos Jr in July 2023.
These initiatives also underscore the PLDT group’s commitment to help the country contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
