The year 2022 was a big one for Philippine sports as it witnessed the comeback of face-to-face events as pandemic restrictions continued to ease and people embraced the new normal. PLDT Inc., Smart Communications, Inc. and the MVP Sports Foundation have reiterated their commitment to promote and develop sports and Filipino athletes by supporting the industry through various ways.
In the first quarter of the year, MVPSF established two training grounds to help cultivate the skills of Filipino athletes hoping to represent the country in global sporting events. The MVPSF Center for Sports Excellence in Antipolo, Rizal will support the training of badminton players and boxers, while the MVPSF Gymnastics Center in Intramuros, Manila will provide a space for the training of the country’s gymnasts.
PLDT and Smart also reiterated their support to Olympians Caloy Yulo, who won silver and bronze in the Gymnastics World Championships; Hidilyn Diaz who bagged gold in the Weightlifting World Championships, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena who landed multiple gold medals in the European Circuit; as well as boxers Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan who garnered bronze in the ASBC Boxing Championships, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team who emerged at the top of the AFF Women’s Championship for the first time, and Smart Omega Call of Duty Mobile team who qualified for the World Championships. The Group has long been supporting 17 national sports agencies through the MVPSF, along with notable national teams like Gilas Pilipinas, Philippine men’s and women’s national volleyball teams, Smash Pilipinas, and sponsorships for Smart Omega Esports, PLDT High Speed Hitters, among others.
“The pride that our athletes give the Philippines when they represent our country is priceless. PLDT and Smart have always believed that sports plays a key role in shaping individuals and communities to build a better nation,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart, and Executive Director at MVPSF. “Our mission is to be the driving force in the development of world-class Filipino sports champions. We want to foster a culture of winning using the grassroots programs and partnerships that we’ve established in various sporting events,” he added.
To bring events like the 2022 Southeast Asian Games, FIBA World Cup and FIBA Asia Cup, Premiere Volleyball League, University Athletics Association of the Philippines, FIVB Volleyball Nations League, Philippine Basketball Association and others closer to sports-loving Filipinos, Smart has boosted its streaming platform Smart Livestream App.
Through Smart Livestream App, fans can cheer for their favorite athletes through their mobile phones, no matter where they are. PLDT and Smart have also bolstered this year’s Universities and Colleges Basketball League with connectivity support for livestreaming their games. Smart has also powered up one of the country’s top sports sites, NBA.com/Philippines.
Boosting esports in the Philippines
As a staunch supporter of esports development, Smart and Moonton marked their 5th year of partnership with the 2022 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League tournaments that recognized the amazing talents of the Filipino youth in esports in the global arena.
Smart also launched the first all-in-one esports platform for Filipino mobile gamers, GIGA Arena, to empower Filipinos with the best mobile gaming experience powered by the fastest mobile network.
“Speed and coverage have never been more crucial in our increasingly digital world, particularly, in sports. Whether Filipinos are playing in competitive esports, watching a do-or-die finals game, or supporting your favorite team as they compete overseas, our curated products and services are here to empower sports-loving Smart customers to live more through our superior network,” said Francis E. Flores, Head of Consumer Business Group—Individual at Smart.
Supporting mental health awareness advocacy
Under their digital wellness advocacy, PLDT and Smart collaborated with like-minded organizations and individuals to generate collective impact for its advocacy on mental health. Together with MVPSF and Smart Sports, inspiring Filipino athletes participated in the Better Today conversations for sports and mental resilience. They have also partnered with Football for Humanity to launch the Better Today for Kids Playground, where 50 children joined the football workshop to channeling sports and play for rehabilitation.
“We believe that sports can become an enabler for strong mental resilience and well-being, which is fundamental to our much broader digital wellness advocacy. We hope to promote a culture of empathy among our community members,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
These initiatives emphasize the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being.