With service-affecting cable theft and vandalism on the rise in Mindanao, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are working closely with local leaders and residents to maintain network reliability while keeping communities safe.
In some areas where recurring incidents of cable theft and vandalism have been reported, PLDT and Smart are collaborating with barangays through Project Bayanihan, which aims to promote community safety and resilience, and raise awareness that these illegal acts often cause network outages.
Several barangays have already joined the initiative, including Barangay Mipangi in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Barangay Apokon in Davao del Norte, Barangay Agusan in Cagayan de Oro, and Barangay San Jose in Digos City. Under the program, the Group equipped barangay tanods with batons, raincoats, and reflectorized jackets to help boost patrol visibility, preparedness and response efforts, especially in areas prone to theft or vandalism.
PLDT shares the critical role of community vigilance in preventing cable theft to achieve a more connected and peaceful neighborhood.
Beyond on-ground support, the initiative also emphasized digital awareness through the #BeCyberSmart campaign, which featured videos depicting real-life scenarios involving online scams and fraud. These highlight the importance of protecting personal information and responsible digital citizenship, reinforcing the role of informed and vigilant community members in reducing digital risks. PLDT Home and Smart representatives were also present in some of the sessions to provide quick customer assistance and address service-related queries.
“We are very fortunate for the support and activities provided to our barangay. Our goal is to continue strengthening our public-private partnerships, making them even more organized so we can better serve our community,” said Barangay Captain Romeo Arizo of Barangay Mipangi.
“Together with local leaders, we can ensure that we are able to respond to incidents faster, prevent bigger disruptions, and keep our communities and customers safe and connected,” said Nepthali S. Cabanos, Mindanao Asset Protection Head.
PLDT donates essential security materials and equipment to enhance local patrol visibility and network protection.
PLDT Group’s Project Bayanihan, spearheaded by its Asset Protection and Security Risk Governance (APSRG) Group, reflects the shared responsibility of PLDT, Smart and the wider community in fostering digital safety and awareness.
Alongside multiple arrests, PLDT said it has also recovered a substantial volume of stolen network materials, thanks to Bayanihan. Based on regional reports, in the second half of 2025 alone, the total estimated value of recovered items by PLDT’s APDs across the country reached approximately ₱18 million. This demonstrates the impact of strengthened collaboration among field teams, law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders to prevent service disruptions and protect PLDT’s critical infrastructure.
By continuing to invest in both infrastructure protection and community engagement, PLDT and Smart aim to ensure that communities can continue to depend on stable connectivity for safer digital spaces and a more connected community.
These initiatives are also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
