For championing initiatives that help the country narrow the digital divide, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart have been feted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Tech for inclusion just got smarter. PLDT and Smart are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable more persons with disabilities to access digital innovations. The move expands the PLDT Group’s efforts to reduce inequality and narrow the digital divide.

After weeks of hard work and tough competition, the top 25 teams—now called the ‘Giga 25’ – are getting ready to present their minimum viable product at this season’s Innovation Generation (InnoGen) ‘Demo Day’. These standout groups were chosen from 96 original teams in the PLDT Group’s innovation and grant program.

For this former OFW turned entrepreneur, technology and hard work go together in growing a home-based business.

Initiatives to empower persons with disabilities and help them uplift their livelihoods through technology form part of PLDT Group's IDEATE program or Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology.

Mayet suffered a debilitating knee injury years ago while working at her previous job, which forced her to find alternative ways of earning a living.

PLDT, its wireless unit Smart, Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV), and NORFIL Foundation recently conducted a Digital Business Basics Training for persons with disabilities in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, and Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart in partnership with Filipina Homebased Moms have concluded the fourth batch of their digital upskilling program for mothers in need under the Group’s pioneering Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) initiative.

PLDT and Smart continue their partnership with NCIP through a recent cultural sensitivity training for their employees and external contractors based in Baguio City. This initiative is part of the PLDT group’s continuing efforts to equip its workforce and partners with the knowledge and skills in engaging with Philippine indigenous peoples.