PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. recently marked 21 years of fostering meaningful connections and empowering Filipinos through its shared value program, PLDT and Smart Communities.
From its humble beginnings in 2003, PLDT and Smart Communities has grown into a flagship initiative, championing inclusive growth through strategic partnerships and programs. PLDT and Smart, together with key stakeholders from the public and private sector, have worked together to bridge the digital divide, leveraging technology as a transformative tool to promote digital wellness, disaster resilience, education, inclusion, and livelihood.
- PLDT and Smart have trained over 95,000 participants on internet safety.
- The group has deployed communication as aid and relief packs, to benefit close to 11,000 families in disaster-hit communities. Emergency communication bundles called Ligtas Kits and emergency communications training were also deployed in disaster-prone communities.
- The group has also trained close to 60,000 teachers and students on ICT, and provided internships to over 4,000 members of the academe.
- PLDT and Smart have provided support to over 16,000 farmers, through training and access to expanded markets.
- About 30,000 MSMEs and coops, on the other hand, have been trained on digital entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.
“As we celebrate the 21 years of PLDT and Smart Communities, let this moment remind us of our shared purpose: to serve with P.U.S.O.—Passion, Unity, Selflessness and Openness. Together, let us continue to innovate and collaborate, driven by our commitment to ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” said Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr., EVP and Chief Operating Officer of PLDT.
PLDT and Smart pay tribute to the group’s partners and communities. Shown from L-R (front row) are: Steph V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management; Luchi C. Flores, Country Director, Passerelles Numeriques Philippines (PNPh); CT/Supt Marjorie Ann P. Sanidad, Acting Superintendent, Correctional Institution for Women; Maricel Sorita, PLDT and Smart Scholar; Carol Catacutan, Chief of Operations, Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV); Tony Llanes, Jr., Executive Director, ATRIEV; Second row: Javier C. Lagdameo, VP for Corporate Relationship Management, PLDT Enterprise; Debbie M. Hu, Smart Wireless Network Head; Patrick F. Santos, PLDT and Smart FVP and Chief Information Security Officer; Butch Meily, President, Philippine Disaster for Resilience Foundation; Caesar N. Agnir Jr., Director III, Disaster Preparedness Service, Office of the Civil Defense; Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer; Cilette Liboro Co, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary, Department of Education; Yao Nan, PLDT Key Account Director, Huawei Philippines; Akihiro Fushimi, Chief, Education Section, UNICEF; Maye M. Rubio, VP, People Group, PLDT; Fatima Zuhara Ambolodto, Trade Industry Development Analyst, Ministry of Trade and Investment and Tourism (MTIT), BARMM.
Driving digital wellness
Recognizing the growing importance of safe and responsible digital practices, PLDT and Smart have implemented initiatives to foster digital wellness among Filipinos. Campaigns like Better Today and CyberSmart equip communities, especially the youth, with the tools to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly, and also train individuals and LGU partners on psychological first aid and artificial intelligence.
Strengthening disaster resilience
In a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, preparedness is key. Through initiatives like the Emergency Broadcast System, Infocast, the Ligtas Kit, and Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging services, PLDT and Smart harness technology to ensure timely, accessible, and reliable connectivity and information, before, during and after times of crisis and emergencies.
No learner left behind
PLDT and Smart have also made significant strides in improving access to quality education. Through key partnerships and programs like the Dynamic Learning Program, Innovation Generation, School-in-a-Bag, and the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, PLDT and Smart aim to empower students and teachers alike through technology.
Fostering inclusion and livelihood
Inclusivity remains at the heart of PLDT and Smart Communities. By providing ICT tools and training to marginalized sectors such as farmers and fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, and small business owners, PLDT and Smart enable their active participation in the digital economy. Capacity-building programs such as IDEATe (short for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology), eBizNovation, and FarmSmart provide these sectors with access to digital productivity tools and e-commerce platforms. PLDT and Smart have also provided digital literacy training to individuals from marginalized sectors. Employees and partner contractors have also undergone sensitivity training to further support this cause.
“What makes this journey special is not just the technologies we’ve deployed or the programs we’ve implemented. It is the relationships we’ve built—with our employees, with our partners, and most importantly, with the communities that we serve. This the foundation of PLDT and Smart Communities. This is what drive us to keep moving forward,” said Steph V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management for PLDT and Smart.
For more information about PLDT and Smart Communities, visit facebook.com/PLDTSmartCommunities.
