For millions of Filipinos, this means enjoying reliable connectivity through a network that strives to grow responsibly while minimizing environmental impact.
Suppliers and ITCs onboarded
To strengthen this approach, PLDT and Smart held a specialized workshop with tier-1 suppliers—who represent more than 85 percent of their 2024 network spend—as well as 10 registered Independent Tower Companies (ITCs).
These suppliers cover critical areas such as network equipment, planning and engineering, construction, operations, power, and permitting.
The workshop served as a venue for technical learning, consultations, and joint planning. Participants explored PLDT and Smart’s sustainability roadmap, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, supplier code of conduct, and biodiversity policies.
DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida Laririt provided expert insights on Philippine biodiversity and outlined how businesses can support national and global conservation goals.
Collaborative planning for biodiversity
PLDT and Smart also shared learnings from discussions with the DENR on the newly launched Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement, focusing on its role in telco permitting. Breakout sessions allowed internal teams, suppliers, and ITCs to map out biodiversity dependencies, assess risks, and identify stakeholders.
They also aligned on mitigation strategies covering reforestation, waste management, energy efficiency, conservation technology, and collaborative initiatives.
“Through our collective efforts and impact, we can help set a benchmark in the Philippine telco sector—showing that connectivity and conservation can indeed thrive together,” said Rai Antonio de Jesus, PLDT vice president and head of category management.
Biodiversity commitments approved
In March 2025, PLDT and Smart’s Board of Directors approved biodiversity policies that commit to “No Net Deforestation” and “No Net Loss in Natural Forest Cover.”
These policies ensure that any ecological disruption from telco activities is offset through reforestation projects and nature-based solutions.
“Key to the realization of our sustainability goals are our partnerships with suppliers and business partners,” said Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart’s chief sustainability officer.
“Going beyond transactional relationships, we aim to cultivate these meaningful connections with them, not just to achieve our revenue goals but also to share our values and align with our commitment towards principled and responsible ways of doing business,” she said.
Aligning with global frameworks
These initiatives contribute to the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2040 and reinforce PLDT and Smart’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The PLDT Group also supports the principles of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures and the UN Global Compact. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
