Sports can become a powerful platform to promote a safe and inclusive space to share the empowering message of camaraderie, resilience, and hope in communities. That is why PLDT Inc. (PLDT), its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) have partnered with Football for Humanity (FFH) for a campaign for peace, development, and nation-building.

At least 100 participants from the United Kingdom and the Philippines attended the online event to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, including Muslim coaches and athletes from Marawi, parents and children with autism, and indigenous children from several communities in Mindanao.

“Sports can instill among us a deep sense of community and strength. Filipinos and our love for sports help define a generation that leaves a mark of greatness – especially with our world-class and talented athletes,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart, and Executive Director at MVPSF. “We will continue to advocate for sports in the grassroots communities to help unlock the limitless potential of our Filipino youth as we become enablers of realizing their greatest aspirations,” he added.

Philippine National Women’s Football Team captain Tahnai Annis, former Azkals and celebrity footballer James Younghusband, and former Philippine National Karatedo Team member and Karate Varsity Coach of the Mindanao State University Revie Sani shared their thoughts on how citizens can use sports to address issues and problems in their communities, especially where youth are involved.

“Sports has the power to change the world. We have always believed that is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development, peace, solidarity, and respect for all,” said Belle Tiongco, VP and co-founder at FFH.

Providing a safe space for kids

PLDT and Smart, through their Better Today advocacy, have been actively promoting the creation of safe offline and online playgrounds, especially for kids. Meanwhile, as a member of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), PLDT and Smart have prevented more than 1.3 billion attempts to open online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) materials since the launch telco group’s pioneering Child Protection Platform.

These initiatives emphasize the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being, and #16: promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.