COMMUNITY | Smart begins Bayanihan SIM Rollout
Led by the DICT, the program provides free TNT SIM cards with pre-loaded mobile data to students and teachers in elementary and high schools identified by the DepEd.
Source: Smart Communications
Smart Communications Inc., the wireless unit of PLDT, has started distributing SIM cards as part of the government’s Bayanihan SIM initiative, which aims to bring mobile data connectivity to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Philippines.
Led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the program provides free TNT SIM cards with pre-loaded mobile data to students and teachers in elementary and high schools identified by the Department of Education (DepEd). Each recipient will receive 25GB of data per month for a year, fully funded by the government.
The rollout began in Masinloc, Zambales, with the first distribution taking place at Bani National High School – Coto Annex, Coto Elementary School, and Mandaloy Elementary School. Smart field staff assisted recipients with SIM registration, app installation, and guidance on account reloading and data usage.
“We are proud to support the Bayanihan SIM initiative, which reinforces our commitment to leave no Filipino offline,” said Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio Boy R. Martirez. “By expanding access to mobile connectivity and data, especially in underserved communities, we help students continue their education, families stay in touch, and citizens access critical digital services.”
The initiative uses Smart’s mobile network and is supported by PLDT’s extensive fiber infrastructure. It aligns with the government’s nationwide digitalization goals and aims to provide equitable access to technology.
“For PLDT, nation-building is a shared responsibility,” said PLDT Chief Operating Officer Butch Jimenez. “Through programs like Bayanihan SIM, we are strengthening our partnership with the government to empower more communities and bridge the digital divide.”
Smart’s efforts to enhance mobile products and services support PLDT Group’s broader mission to improve connectivity and promote digital inclusion, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
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