Even the most remote communities in the country need to be connected. This means having to put up vital infrastructure—often just a few hundred square meters in size—even on forest lands and in areas rich in biodiversity. In these instances, regulations need to be upheld to facilitate rollout of facilities that enable access to digital services, while ensuring minimal disruption in local communities and protecting natural ecosystems.

Recognizing these, leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have expressed strong support for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) new landmark policy reform aimed at boosting the green economy and streamlining forest land management to enable the expansion of digital infrastructure.

The Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA), launched recently by the DENR – Forest Management Bureau (DENR – FMB), consolidates seven existing forestry tenure instruments into a single, streamlined production-sharing agreement. This reform is expected to simplify the process of securing tenurial agreements for the use of forest lands and protected areas, particularly for telecommunications companies.

“This initiative is a meaningful step forward in nation-building, promoting sustainable use of our forests and natural resources and paving the way for the expanded accessibility of digital services. By streamlining forest land use policies in partnership with the government, we can more efficiently roll out connectivity infrastructure and bring reliable communications to communities that need it most, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs),” said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network and PLDT representative to the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

PLDT and Smart have been actively working with the government to accelerate rollout of digital infrastructure, while also pioneering industry policies and practices in support of biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.

The Group has advocated for the removal of additional local government unit and barangay requirements to significantly reduce bureaucratic hurdles for telco infrastructure projects. PLDT and Smart earlier presented to the DENR the urgent need to streamline permitting processes to support the rollout of critical connectivity infrastructure in forested and protected areas.

“The SFLMA is a welcome development that will help regularize our tenurial agreements with the DENR and accelerate the deployment of towers and other infrastructure in support of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s directives to improve access to digital services across the country, including GIDAs,” added Atty. Pamela B. Felizarta, VP and Department Head for Joint Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs at Smart.

In February 2025, PLDT and Smart also collaborated with the DENR for the development of corporate policies that commit to “No Net Deforestation” and “No Net Loss in Natural Forest Cover” and aim to continuously integrate the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of nature and biodiversity into their nationwide operations.

“The PLDT Group remains committed to working closely with government to shape policies that enable innovation, inclusive development, and environmental protection. The SFLMA is a strong example of how public-private collaboration can lead to practical solutions that foster a digital and sustainable environment for Filipino people,” said Atty. Joan de Venecia-Fabul, Chief Legal Counsel and Head of Regulatory and Strategic Affairs at PLDT.

The PLDT Group’s continued investments in connectivity, digital services, and innovation are helping improve the quality of life of Filipinos. These enable greater access to information and improved delivery of education, healthcare, safety, and livelihood opportunities—especially in underserved communities.