PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., are continuing their push to bridge the digital divide, especially in underserved areas and remote communities across the Philippines.
Through ongoing investments in both network infrastructure and community programs, the PLDT group expanded digital access and empowered more than 6,400 Filipinos nationwide with new skills and opportunities.
These initiatives are part of the group’s long-standing commitment to building a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
Building on a strong network foundation, the PLDT Group uses technology-driven programs to reach marginalized sectors and create lasting change.
“Every improvement we make—whether in efficiency or coverage—is part of the larger work of empowering communities and supporting the Philippines’ growth,” said PLDT and Smart chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.
The PLDT group, through its corporate advocacy program, PLDT and Smart Communities, reached significant milestones in the first half.
The group launched AI-in-a-Box, a new digital empowerment initiative that brings the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to communities.
It also worked with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to enhance emergency communications planning for DICT regional offices across the country.
In partnership with the Department of Education, the PLDT group has ramped up preparations for a nationwide rollout of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP), a teaching strategy that promotes independent learning.
The group has equipped nearly 500 farmers and more than 1,000 MSMEs with ICT literacy and digital entrepreneurship skills under its Digital Farmers Program (DFP) and eBiznovation initiatives to help boost livelihood opportunities in the digital economy.
As part of its group-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) effort, PLDT conducted digital skills training for persons with disabilities and supported their digital entrepreneurship journey.
These milestones are supported by the group’s extensive network, which includes around 1.2 million cable kilometers of fiber, passing 19.01 million homes in 74 percent of the country’s towns and 91 percent of provinces.
Smart’s combined 5G/4G network covers about 97% of the population. This strong infrastructure will further expand access to digital tools and services, improve the quality of life, and enhance community capacity and resilience.
“Digital inclusion is also about creating a meaningful impact in people’s lives,” said Roby Alampay, first vice president and head of public engagement and corporate communications at PLDT and Smart.
“Through our network and our partnerships, we will do our part in ensuring that no Filipino is left behind,” he said.
