For championing digital inclusion and digital bayanihan, leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) have been recognized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at the National Tech4ED Awards held in Clark City, Pampanga.

The National Tech4ED Awards 2025 feted Tech4ED Centers and DICT Digital Transformation Centers (DTC), Center Managers, and beneficiaries across the Philippines for their outstanding achievements and contributions. It also highlighted the significant strides achieved through the Tech4ED-DTC Project in improving digital literacy and enhancing e-governance to bridge the digital divide in communities nationwide.

In his keynote, Atty. Leandro Angelo Aguirre of the DICT-ICT Industry Development Bureau hailed the people behind the growing ranks of DTCs and over 2,000 Tech4ED centers in the country for their service, especially for last-mile communities. 

"We often speak about the last mile, the final stretch that determines whether a service truly reaches the people. But the last mile can also mean something more. It asks each of us, how far are we willing to go for the Filipino farthest behind? We are only as strong as the distance we are willing to go for our fellow Filipinos," he said.

Stephanie V. Orlino, PLDT and Smart AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement, reiterated the Group's commitment to support the DICT's efforts to bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology through various initiatives such as School-in-a-Bag, which provides access to tech, connectivity, content and training to schools in last-mile communities; Ligtas Kit, which promotes disaster resilience to hazard-prone areas; and FarmTech, which equips farmer organizations with the access, tools, connectivity and content for training their own members on digital agriculture. PLDT and Smart have also partnered with the DICT's ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) on several digital skills trainings nationwide.

"This is a step forward in our partnership. We believe in our shared thrust to empower communities so that every Filipino can participate in and thrive in this digital world. We are very grateful to the DICT for the continued partnership, trust, and leadership. Together, we believe that we can continue to build meaningful connections among communities so that no Filipino will be left behind in this digital age and creative economy," she said.

PLDT and Smart, represented by Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Livelihood, Internet and Media Safety and AI programs Kristine Magadia and Luzon Engagement Head Joy Lapuz, also helped award special connectivity packages containing smartphones, Smart Home Wifi units and Smart Prepaid load to winning DTCs.

This recognition is the latest milestone in PLDT and Smart's longstanding partnership with the DICT and part of the Group's commitments under the DTC Initiative, a program initiated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Cisco to enhance digital literacy skills in underserved communities. Started in 2019, the DTC Initiative is already in 15 countries worldwide and is implemented in the Philippines by DICT under their Tech4Ed program.

PLDT and Smart's broader thrust to promote inclusive learning in underserved communities also contributes to the country’s progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.