Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT), through its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise, has launched a campaign designed to support a new wave of Smart Cities through infrastructure and technology. 

The #LipadLGU campaign aims to boost the government's aspirations for a digital Philippines by contributing to the digitalization of local government units (LGUs), particularly in the areas of digital infrastructure, economic growth, public safety and security, and citizen welfare. 

"In line with our vision to reimagine tomorrow's provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays, PLDT is proud to launch our campaign leveraging on technology and policies, programs, partnerships, and platforms aimed at digitalizing LGUs, #LipadLGU," said Vince Rodriguez, Business Head - Luzon and GMM LGU CRB at PLDT Enterprise, capping off the successful two-day run of the Philippine Digital Convention 2023 (PH Digicon 2023). 

Citing the growth of Smart Cities as among the strategic trends in promoting the Philippine National ICT Development Agenda, Rodriguez also stressed the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders in laying the foundation for globally competitive smart cities in the country. 

"PLDT Enterprise can help achieve this vision by providing LGUs with platforms that are strong, safe, and secure, as well as infrastructure and technologies, which also play a critical role. If we want to reach our vision of becoming a digital nation, we must first lay the basic digital and technological foundations, one smart city at a time," Rodriguez added. 

“Our initiatives to harness a new wave of Smart Cities and digitally enable our local government units nationwide are aligned with the PLDT Group's overall vision to support the government's digitalization thrust. This is part of our commitment to paving the way for a Digital Pilipinas, fostering digital inclusivity, and empowering communities across the Philippines on their journey towards a digitally transformed future,” said Mitch L. Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Core Business at PLDT and Smart. 

Quirino Gov. Dakila "Dax" Cua, President of the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP), likewise emphasized the crucial role of technology and innovation in public service. 

"The potential of innovation in government service is huge, and LGUs need to partner not only with the national government but with the private sector to shift our communities towards being smart cities and smart provinces," he said, noting that in order to support innovation, LGUs need to invest in capacity building and the necessary infrastructure in their respective areas. 

Citing the experience of Quirino province, which has embarked on its own ambitious digital infrastructure project as a result of learnings from the pandemic, Cua said that like Quirino, LGUs must reinvent and retool themselves to adapt and respond to evolving complexities in serving the public. 

"LGUs have to realize that the move to adopt digital technology is a key determinant in their ability to be competitive in public administration," Cua said. "Having the necessary infrastructure and innovation can bring significant improvement in the delivery of public service. It can automate government processes, gather data to make informed decisions, and streamline communications with constituents." 

Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, who delivered the welcome remarks during the #LipadLGU launch, shares this view. "This vision of a smart and sustainable future cannot be a one-city journey. A multi-sectoral approach involving both public and private institutions would prove to be instrumental for all-encompassing growth for each Filipino," she said. 

PLDT's push to boost smart cities across the country is aligned with the Group's support for the Government's nationwide digitalization thrust to bring the benefits of the internet to more communities through the continuous enhancement of the Group's integrated fixed and wireless networks. It also forms part of the Group's commitment as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar.

PH Digicon 2023: VISION is powered by Amdocs, Cisco, Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc., Nokia, Google Cloud, Samsung, ZTE Corporation, Avolution Inc., Fortinet, Soprano Design, CSG, Dell Technologies Philippines, Ericsson Telecommunications, Inc., and Maya Philippines, Inc.