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| (Image Source: PLDT Inc.) |
PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) affirm their commitment to help find solutions to the challenges facing the production and social sectors of the country, through technology and innovation. During his third State of the Nation Address, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of the implementation of transformative programs, policies, and projects to achieve food security and rapid, sustained, and inclusive economic growth. “The PLDT Group shares President Marcos's vision and continues to offer its steadfast support to the Government. In collaboration with his administration, we've embarked on a number of innovative programs to enrich the lives of our countrymen and help build a future where no Filipino is left behind,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan.
Changing lives and livelihood
Recognizing agriculture and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of the economy, the PLDT Group has rolled out relevant programs to improve the lives of Filipinos. As part of their long-standing collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), PLDT and Smart launched FarmTech, a tech-driven farmers training kit to empower farmers and agricultural cooperatives. PLDT, Smart and DA-ATI also continue to provide digital upskilling under the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), enabling farmer groups to harness technology in pursuit of food security and improved livelihood opportunities. Since its launch, the program has benefited over 12,000 farmers. PLDT and Smart have also been rolling out eBiznovation, a digital upskilling-to-ecommerce program that equips MSMEs and cooperatives with the tools needed to thrive in the online business landscape. The group is working with the Department of Trade and Industry, Maya Philippines, Tiktok Shop, Shopee, and other stakeholders to leverage their expertise and has trained over 21,000 MSMEs to date.
A safe and smart Philippines
Early this year, the group renewed its commitment to the GSMA, the organization representing mobile operators globally, to enable early warning for all through the group’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System and community-based InfoCast platform and to provide critical communications as aid to disaster-hit communities. To foster a culture of preparedness, the group deployed its Ligtas Kit, an all-in-one emergency communications package, to Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMOs) in hazard-prone areas. The PLDT Group has also taken a whole-of-nation approach to safeguard the digital lives of Filipinos, especially children. By investing in a child protection platform, engaging stakeholders to strengthen policy and implement awareness programs and grassroots initiatives, the group is working to ensure that Filipinos have access to quality, safe and secure digital experiences.
No learner left behind
As the country gears up for school opening, the group is at the forefront of ensuring learning continuity and commits to support national learning recovery, through the School-In-A-Bag. A portable digital classroom that provides access to technology, connectivity, multimedia content, and a pandemic-tested pedagogy that is proven to improve learner outcomes especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the program has reached 653 schools, 11,287 educators, and 116,851 students in different parts of the country. PLDT and Smart continue to implement the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), the longest-running industry-academe linkage initiative that helps enhance engineering and IT courses, by providing a platform to develop technology-enabled community-based innovations.
Bridging the digital divide
To ensure that all sectors are provided with equitable opportunities to fully participate in the digital economy, the group launched IDEATe (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy Through Technology), its umbrella digital inclusion program for people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, religious minorities, the elderly, and women. PLDT and Smart endeavor to bring technology to these sectors, enabling them to enjoy its benefits, while helping them stay protected against the accompanying risks.
Underpinning these initiatives are PLDT and Smart’s integrated fixed and wireless networks, the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone with over 74,000 base stations deployed nationwide. This infrastructure also supports Smart's mobile network which covers 97% of the country's population. PLDT and Smart’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and bring inclusive growth to Filipino communities, enterprises, and families support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG #9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
