Through sustained investments in network infrastructure and flagship advocacy programs, the PLDT group empowered more than 6,400 Filipinos with new skills and digital opportunities.
“Every improvement we make—whether in efficiency or coverage—is part of the larger work of empowering communities and supporting the Philippines’ growth,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT and Smart chair and CEO.
Why it matters
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, faces major connectivity challenges. By combining infrastructure expansion with digital literacy programs, PLDT and Smart aim to close the digital divide, enabling equal access to technology-driven opportunities for students, workers, and small entrepreneurs.
Key milestones in H1 2025
Digital wellness
Rolled out AI-in-a-Box, bringing artificial intelligence training to more than 1,100 participants, including media practitioners, freelancers, farmers, women at risk, and MSMEs.
Expanded its #BeCyberSmart campaign, reaching over 2,000 students, teachers, and small businesses with cybersecurity awareness.
Partnered with the DOJ-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to run the #BetterTodayForKids campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
Disaster resilience
Worked with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to enhance emergency communications planning for regional offices.
Advanced the Ligtas Kit program, a portable package designed to keep communities connected during disasters.
Education
Partnered with the Department of Education for the rollout of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF-DLP) nationwide.
Distributed School-in-a-Bag packages, benefiting over 1,000 educators and 1,500 learners.
Launched Tuon Ta, a mother-tongue numeracy and literacy app to strengthen foundational learning.
Livelihood
Trained close to 500 farmers and more than 1,000 MSMEs in ICT literacy and digital entrepreneurship through the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) and eBiznovation initiatives.
Inclusion
Supported persons with disabilities through targeted digital skills training and entrepreneurship opportunities under its diversity, equity, and inclusion thrust.
Scaling up in H2 2025
The initiatives are backed by PLDT’s extensive network, with 1.2 million cable kilometers of fiber, reaching 19.01 million homes across 74 percent of towns and 91 percent of provinces. Smart’s combined 4G and 5G networks now cover about 97 percent of the population.
“Digital inclusion is also about creating a meaningful impact in people’s lives,” said Roby A. Alampay, PLDT and Smart FVP and head of public engagement and corporate communications.
“Through our network and our partnerships, we will do our part in ensuring that no Filipino is left behind,” Alampay said.
With a strong infrastructure backbone and growing partnerships, the PLDT group is positioning itself as a key player in driving inclusive growth in the Philippines. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
