Bangkok, Thailand, November 5, 2019 — Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT was recently awarded a US $1,000,000 grant by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund a fiber optic network and transmission infrastructure modernization training program under US-based IT and networking leader Cisco.

Present during the signing are, seated from left, USTDA Deputy Director Todd Abrajano, and PLDT Vice President for Core Planning and Engineering Arvin Siena, while USTDA Regional Manager for Asia Brandon Megorden and US Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Sung Y. Kim, standing, witnessed the ceremony.

The training program would further equip PLDT with certified professionals in its preparation to roll out and manage a modernized network for 5G and other advanced systems.

“This landmark grant agreement between PLDT and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for training purposes will enable PLDT to utilize fully the cutting-edge technologies that Cisco will deploy to transform our fiber transmission network into a 5G-ready infrastructure. This will definitely benefit the Philippines, and raise its efforts in adopting and deploying technologies in the next wave of digital innovation,” said PLDT Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan.

PLDT has been investing in its fiber optic network expansion across the country to deliver ICT and fast connectivity to businesses and homes in both for fixed and wireless. 

Recently, PLDT has been implementing multiple modernization projects with several carrier partners to ready the network in the advent of 5G technology. Last year, it launched a 5G-capable network at the PLDT headquarters in Makati as well as in Clark, Pampanga.

It also announced recent agreements with institutions like the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC), to develop and study possible used cases of 5G technology. 

“5G is a new technology that is opening exciting new opportunities for digital services. This training program will help us deliver the new skills and capabilities needed to take full advantage of these opportunities,” said PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Network Services Mario G. Tamayo.