TELECOM | PLDT, Smart fortify partnership with govt

Leading integrated telco network PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications have strengthened their partnership with the government this year through continued support for its digitalization initiatives and participation in crafting various telco-related policies.

“Our commitment remains firm: To be the Government’s reliable partner in the country’s digital transformation, providing connectivity for all and empowering individuals, homes and enterprises of all sizes by making the latest technologies and innovations more accessible to them,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive.

Panlilio also hailed the partnership between the private sector and the Government in formulating and refining policies that would benefit consumers. “We thank the Government for the opportunity to work together to bring the benefits of our collaboration in the telco sector closer to Filipinos across the country. We look forward to more points of synergy with government and other industry stakeholders in the years to come, all with the goal of providing seamless public service to our countrymen,” he added.

Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart, together with industry stakeholders, hailed the issuance of Executive Order No. 32 (s. 2023), streamlining the permitting process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country, which was signed by President Marcos in July.

This year, Smart also actively supported the SIM Registration Law, from helping craft the Implementing Rules and Regulations to ensuring its smooth implementation. After launching its online portal last year, PLDT and Smart also rolled out nationwide on-ground efforts to assist subscribers to register their SIMs.

Smart also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in support of the EDSA Greenways Project, an initiative under the President’s Build Better More infrastructure program. The MOA covers the relocation of Smart’s utilities and cables affected by the construction of elevated walkways on the Metro’s main thoroughfare, including footbridges in Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft. These pedestrian structures seek to address the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women, and people traveling with children by connecting MRT and LRT stations to it.

PLDT has also supported the partnership between Go Digital Pilipinas (GDP) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to level up digital skills of Filipinos. In particular, PLDT will help in advocating for the importance of digital skills development among key stakeholders. TESDA and GDP recently signed a MOA to jointly develop and implement training programs and initiatives that will help upskill Filipinos to aid the country’s digital transformation.

PLDT also recently welcomed the signing of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA), reiterating the Group’s support for the Government’s initiatives to build a robust e-commerce environment in the country and protect consumer rights.

Helming the push for collaborations between the private and public sectors to connect more Filipinos nationwide is the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), where PLDT sits as one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar.

A longtime champion of the country’s digital transformation, PLDT’s support for the Government’s thrust to digitalize the nation is also aligned with the Group’s commitment to its aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities. This is also in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

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