The Philippines’ leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to accelerate its network expansion efforts across the country, particularly in Cebu. This expansion has significantly boosted tourism and local livelihoods, driving positive economic impact in the province.
Among the areas that have benefited from the recent rollout of additional sites is the municipality of Aloguinsan, where improved connectivity has been a boon to their local tourism initiatives and small-scale entrepreneurs.
“We continue to invest in enhancing our integrated fixed and wireless networks across the country to keep families connected, enable livelihoods, boost the government’s nationwide digitalization thrust and deliver the best possible experience to our customers, wherever they may be in the country,” said Roderick S. Santiago, FVP and Deputy Network Head at PLDT and Smart.
Rudney Carcuevas, President of Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS), a longtime partner of Smart, highlighted the transformative impact of improved connectivity on their group’s tourism operations. “We used to have to hike to higher ground to get signal,” Carcuevas shared. “Now, managing bookings is much easier, and we no longer need to visit remittance centers for downpayments since we can already access mobile payments here.”
BAETAS is responsible for preserving the world-renowned Bojo River, an ecotourism destination named one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2021 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Since the firing up of Smart’s cell site in the area, the group has seen a significant reduction in tourist complaints related to poor communication.
By continuing to expand and fortify its network across Cebu and other areas in Visayas, Smart remains dedicated to its mission to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity for all, and bring the benefits of the internet closer to more Filipinos, creating positive impact in communities across the country through technology.
The PLDT Group’s investments in its network and innovative products and services are aligned with the group’s commitment to democratize access to the latest technologies and deliver elevated customer experience nationwide.
These also contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as well as reinforce the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust.
