Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
Nation building accelerates when private companies align technology investments with community needs and public sector goals, not just commercial returns.
For PLDT, impact is not a side benefit but a core outcome of its long-standing engagements with government agencies and local communities. These partnerships aim to translate connectivity into better access to education, public services, and economic opportunity.
Driving the conversation
PLDT leadership is reframing success around social impact, placing people and communities alongside performance metrics.
During the Jan. 14 PLDT and Smart Communities Day, Robby Alampay, first vice president and head of public engagement and corporate communications of PLDT, emphasized in his speech that leadership requires knowing when to move beyond metrics.
“There's a time to talk about targets and even performance, but there's a time to talk about impact. There's a time to talk about technology but there's also a time to talk about community and people,” Alampay said.
PLDT and Smart continue to advance digital inclusion nationwide through partnerships that empower communities in education, business, and public service.
Working with the Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other government agencies, the group has reached millions through programs that enhance learning, digital skills, and livelihood.
From training over one million teachers and students to supporting 35,000 MSMEs and 20,000 farmers, and empowering 300,000 Filipinos through Tech4Ed Centers, PLDT and Smart also champion online safety, disaster readiness, and inclusion—ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the digital future.
Big picture
Public-private partnerships allow connectivity to become an enabler of education, governance, safety, and inclusion nationwide.
Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., chief operating officer of PLDT, said in his speech that technology’s value becomes clear in how it serves local governments and citizens.
He cited the importance of connectivity and technology in supporting LGUs and communities, adding, “We are committed to working with every government agency to help you in whatever it is we can help you with in being able to continue to move technology forward in your areas.”
Security challenge
As connectivity expands, digital scams have emerged as a major threat, requiring tighter coordination between telcos, tech vendors, and government.
Jimenez warned that scams have become widespread, often using “fake cell sites” carried in backpacks to hijack 2G signals.
He explained how sudden drops from 4G or 5G to 2G followed by suspicious messages are common scam indicators. While 2G cannot yet be fully shut down due to ATM usage, PLDT is working with Huawei to triangulate fake sites and coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government through e911 to locate scammers within 50 to 100 meters.
Learning from a nation ahead in tech
Jimenez also shared his reflections from a recent visit to Shenzhen, China, where he saw how deeply technology is woven into everyday life—even for children. In a park, he found an AI center for kids filled with books, learning platforms, and robots that played chess and Go.
The experience, he said, revealed how China is already nurturing digital literacy and innovation from a young age.
“That’s how advanced they are already in trying to be up to the times or ahead of the curve when it comes to technology,” he noted, adding a clear call to action for the Philippines: “We cannot be left behind.” —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
