Leading integrated network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) achieved new international certifications for its critical network facilities nationwide, including facilities in Mindanao, guaranteeing the ability of the Group to serve its customers nationwide even in instances of disruption.

The roster includes newly certified facilities located at Ponciano and Matina Shrine Hills in Davao City, bringing to 22 the PLDT Group's total Certifications for Business Continuity Management System (ISO 22301:2019).

"These certifications are a testament to PLDT and Smart's capability to continue delivering our essential services amid emergencies, disasters and climate-related risks," said Atty. Oliver Carlos G. Odulio, Head of Enterprise Business Continuity and Resilience Office (BCRO) at PLDT and Smart.

"These also ensure that our critical network facilities across the country, including our sites in Mindanao, meet international standards, allowing us to provide leveled-up service to our customers, wherever they may be in the country," Odulio added.

In addition to the new sites in Davao, critical network sites located in Bulua and J Pacana in Cagayan de Oro have also been re-certified.

Claro Landeta, Head for Mindanao Facilities Management for PLDT, said the ISO certification process has helped him and their team gain confidence, especially during times of calamity.

"We are confident that whatever happens and wherever we are, there are plans already set, and we are confident that people are already in place to respond. The ISO certification process has helped establish teamwork among different units in the company," said Landeta, adding that achieving the ISO certification is a source of pride, especially since it signifies adherence to international standards.

"Especially in light of the recent earthquakes around Mindanao, we are confident knowing that our facilities have been tested, and that there are processes in place, should new problems arise," Landeta added.

Rommel Robillos, Smart Senior Manager for Network Service Operations, also highlighted the ISO certifications as a point of pride. "Our team is proud to have worked on our ISO certification, which is the gold standard for Network operations," Robillos said. "It does not just involve maintenance, but also the processes and practices within the company. It is not merely a one-time event--we should always strive to do our daily tasks according to these standards," he added.

To facilitate and ensure world-class customer experience through reliable and resilient operations, PLDT established a pervasive resiliency framework through ISO 22301:2019, which enables the company to consistently prevent, minimize, and recover from disruptive incidents while mitigating financial and reputational impact across its critical facilities and operations nationwide.

These initiatives align with PLDT’s thrust to provide connectivity to all and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on UNSDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce PLDT’s support for the Philippine government's overall digitalization thrust as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar, represented by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.