In partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) shared their #BeCyberSmart advocacy during the Mindanao Leg of Safer Internet for Persons with Disabilities: Consultative Dialogue on Social Media Platforms.
NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova expressed appreciation for the collaboration, saying, “We thank PLDT and Smart for working with us to ensure that connectivity is matched with accountability, responsibility, safety, and inclusion. The internet has become a space where people learn, work, advocate, and build communities. For many persons with disability, digital platforms are essential tools for participation and independence. If that space becomes unsafe, then inclusion becomes incomplete.”
During the session, PLDT and Smart shared practical tips on how to identify red flags and avoid common online scams, including deepfake fraud, love scams, and fake investment schemes. The Philippine National Police Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10 covered other types of online scams, Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), to further raise awareness among participants.
“PLDT and Smart are committed to promoting responsible digital citizenship through our internet safety program #BeCyberSmart, supporting inclusive digital literacy initiatives, and working closely with partners like NCDA to ensure that digital transformation leaves no one behind,” said PLDT and Smart’s Mindanao Relations Head, Judee Chaves.
“Inclusion is not simply about access but about equity and empowerment. It is about ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of ability, can participate fully and safely in our increasingly digital society,” Chaves added.
Through initiatives like #BeCyberSmart, PLDT and Smart continue to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by promoting inclusive digital access for persons with disability, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by advocating for safer and more responsible online spaces.
