Building on last year's successful campaign, leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have partnered with Brgy 391 in Quiapo, Manila for the first 'Bayanihan' session this year.
The activity, which aims to strengthen PLDT's partnerships with barangays and local governments to protect telco infrastructure and equipment as well as deter cable theft and vandalism, was led by PLDT GMM South Asset Protection Division (APD) Head Willie S. Antalan, Jr., and Brgy 391 chair Hon. Cecilio T. Mateo.
Empowering communities with leveled-up customer service
By establishing direct reporting protocols through Bayanihan, PLDT enables barangay leaders and residents to act as force multipliers in helping secure telco equipment and ensuring continuous connectivity services in their respective communities.
"We at PLDT believe that network security is a shared responsibility. This is the spirit behind Bayanihan," said Leo A. Gonzales, Vice President and Head of Property, Facilities, and Asset Resiliency Management at PLDT and Smart.
Charisse Fae Meneses, PLDT Security Risk Management; Mark Daniel Viar, Telecom Engineer, West MM Fixed Field Services; Earvin Santos, CX Supervisor, South Manila; Jonie Prinzes Marie Valle, Team Head, GMM South Asset Protection Division; Willie S. Antalan Jr., Head, GMM South APD; Hon. Cecilio T. Mateo, Chairman, Brgy. 391; Joel De Leon, Security Inspector, Manila, GMMS APD; Vicente Della, Security Inspector, GMMS APD; Heizel Domingsil, Security Inspector, GMMS APD; Eduardo Agapito Jr., PLDT Security Risk Management
"Starting our 2026 rollout in Quiapo is part of our initiatives to secure high-traffic areas where infrastructure is most vulnerable. By empowering Barangay 391 with the right tools and communication channels, we are ensuring that service disruptions caused by criminal activity are stopped before they can affect our subscribers," he added.
Through this grassroots engagement, PLDT and the barangay leadership have streamlined the process for reporting suspicious activities, especially those involving cables and manholes, ensuring swift response from both local authorities and PLDT’s security teams.
Beyond security, Bayanihan sessions are also community touchpoints where PLDT and Smart representatives provide on-site assistance for billing and service-related concerns, troubleshooting and technical advice, and new applications.
Protecting Filipinos' 'digital lifeline'
The Quiapo rollout marks a continuation of the momentum gained in 2025, where intensified collaboration led to a decrease in apprehension incidents in the first 11 months of the year compared to the previous period nationwide, underscoring the effectiveness of the Group’s strengthened security measures, which include efforts to deter theft before it occurs. Through these Bayanihan sessions that foster a culture of accountability, PLDT aims to further reduce these numbers and uphold public trust.
This initiative is aligned with the PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). With Bayanihan, PLDT harnesses its synergy with barangays to protect copper and fiber, the digital lifeline connecting Filipinos.
