PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications have reiterated their support for the government's push to help more local government units digitalize and streamline their processes.

PLDT-Smart Foundation has inked a two-year partnership with ASA Philippines Foundation to empower underprivileged communities through education and livelihood opportunities.

Ramping up cloud initiatives, the Philippines’ leading integrated telco network PLDT and wireless unit Smart have established its Cloud Center of Excellence, paving the way for a stronger, more customer-focused, future-proof, and cloud-confident workforce.

To further drive digital inclusion among Filipinos, thirteen (13) women graduates of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc.’s (Smart) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) pilot training program for livelihood received desktop units to help them apply their new skills to support their families.

Empowering cacao farming communities in the region, PLDT and Smart, alongside the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Training Institute (DA-ATI), have kickstarted a partnership with the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), supported by the Government of Canada, the Davao City Cacao Council, and the Davao Region Cacao Council, under the telco group’s award-winning Digital Farmers Program (DFP).

PLDT customers in quake-hit Taiwan can now call their loved ones for free through their Smart Virtual Numbers (SVN). Powered by PLDT Global, SVN subscribers can update family and friends in the Philippines of their situation, through their Smart, TNT or PLDT landline numbers. Non-SVN subscribers are also encouraged to register to tinbo.ph and get their free SVN numbers to avail of this service.

Driving diversity in tech

PLDT and Smart garnered new ISO 22301:2019 certifications covering two new sites in Davao, pushing the Group's total ISO certifications for BCMS to 24 sites.

In the town of Miag-ao, Iloilo, the age-old tradition of harvesting sea salt dates back to 1823. Lorlie Noblezada, a 49-year-old mother of nine, is determined to keep this cultural practice alive by running an artisanal salt business with her husband.

Addressing the need to drive digital inclusion among Filipinos, especially women, PLDT and wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. successfully concluded the pilot run of their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program for livelihood with 13 women graduates.