PLDT, Smart boost Davao network

Philippines’ leading integrated telecom network PLDT Inc (PLDT)’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) is upgrading its network across the country, especially in Davao City.

“This strengthens our commitment to providing the best possible experience to our customers in Davao City and nationwide, connecting families, enabling businesses of all sizes and driving the country’s overall digitalization power,” said Roderick S. Santiago, FVP and Deputy Network Go to PLDT and Smart.

This year, new locations and additional LTE capacity have been rolled out in Davao City and across Mindanao, including in the cities of General Santos, Butuan, Tagum, Koronadal and Digos, and in Maramag in Bukidnon and Polomolok in South Cotabato.

Among the beneficiaries of Davao City’s strengthened network are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers in Davao’s cocoa industry.

Mirasol Magalasin, who heads an organization for people with disabilities “Samahan ng may mga iba’t ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw,” said it has been a challenge for them to reach customers, especially during the pandemic. “As our business recovers, we appreciate the technology that allows us to market online through social media, especially given our mobility limitations,” she said.

Meanwhile, for Jhomar Pablo, who works for a Mindanao-based cocoa agribusiness company, connectivity and technology are also a boon for cocoa farmers like him. “The introduction of technology-enabled agriculture opens more opportunities for farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture,” he said.

Magalasin and Pablo participated in the recent performances of PLDT and Smart’s eBiznovation and Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in Davao City, respectively. The eBiznovation run was a collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DTI Davao City and PLDT Enterprise, while DFP was implemented with the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA ). .

As e-commerce platforms like TikTok Shop and fintech apps like Maya become essential for Filipino entrepreneurs who aim to access broader markets and digitally transform their businesses, eBizNovation and DFP are helping enable Philippine SMEs and farmers to increase their livelihoods and increase productivity using connectivity and technology.

PLDT Group’s continued investments in its network are in line with the Group’s commitment to reducing the digital divide and providing connectivity for all, strengthening the Group’s support for the government’s digitalization mission, through reliable internet access to expand nationally, including to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. PR