PLDT, Smart Reinforce Mental Mealth Well-Being of Passerelles Numériques PH’s Scholars and Faculty

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) organized a psychological first aid (PFA) training for over 50 scholars and faculty of Passerelles Numériques Philippines (PNPh). The training session was facilitated by millennial psychologist Riyan Portuguez in-person at Smart’s Regional Office in Cebu.

“At PLDT and Smart, we are committed to using our resources and reach to drive meaningful change. By equipping the youth and educators with crucial PFA skills, we hope to de-stigmatize conversations around mental health while building more empathetic and resilient digital communities in the Philippines,” said Marylou Gocotano, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head.

PNPh is a Cebu-based non-profit organization that provides scholarships in IT-related fields to select youth who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

“On behalf of PNPh and our country representative, Luchi Flores, we thank PLDT and Smart for this meaningful partnership that focuses on promoting mental health awareness among our scholars. Through this Psychological First Aid training, our scholars gained a deeper understanding of how they can extend help to their friends, family members, or fellow scholars who are dealing with mental health-related concerns, making our community a safe space for all,” said Alreen Omang, PNPh Partnerships and External Relations Officer.

A fundamental part of the PLDT Group’s advocacy to promote and encourage digital wellness, the PFA training equipped the student-scholars and faculty members with skills to provide initial support to peers experiencing emotional distress. It upskilled participants with practical stress management, referral techniques, and various techniques to provide initial psychological support.

Mark Kevin Chavez, a first-year college scholar taking up Associate in Computer Technology in Software Development at the University of San Jose Recoletos said he is grateful for the chance to participate in the PFA training. “This motivated me to continue taking care of myself and my mental well-being, as well as provide proper support to others with mental health needs, so that we can all be better every day,” he added.

This mental health training for PNPH scholars and faculty is part of PLDT and Smart’s sustained digital wellness campaign, focused on responsible online behavior and emotional resilience. These initiatives help underscore PLDT and Smart’s contribution to the Philippines’ attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-being.

PLDT, Smart Scale 45M Reach for its #BetterToday Mental Health Program

PLDT and Smart forge ahead in leveraging technology to promote sound mental health for all. In 2023, PLDT and Smart recorded a reach of over 45 million for its #BetterToday program, bridging the digital divide, as it creates safe, happy, and inclusive spaces.

“Better Today journeys hand in hand with like-minded advocates from various sectors, including local governments, content creators, and civil society organizations. With over 45 million reach and over 20 community partners, PLDT and Smart believe in the continuous creation of shared value and on a whole-of-community approach to making the digital world safer, and better today,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head for Corporate Communications.

In 2023, PLDT and Smart strengthened their partnerships with LGUs by conducting health awareness events in Quezon City, Quirino Province, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro. Through the Better Today Psychological First Aid Program, PLDT and Smart also mobilized volunteers from different sectors to help address the mental health needs of distressed individuals within communities. Ensuring a safe and inclusive space, the volunteers included the youth, senior citizens, barangay healthcare workers from La Union and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in Porac, Pampanga.

“Promoting mental health has long been a personal advocacy, and I am very grateful to PLDT and Smart for helping us strengthen our mental health program in the province,” said Joy R. Ortega, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union Board Member.

Creating a ‘malasakit’ culture at the workplace, PLDT and Smart have also curated wellness campaigns for their over 14,000 employees. Through their Wellness Revolution Program, PLDT and Smart continuously promote for the holistic well-being of the workforce through weekly fitness classes in the workplace and mental health webinars for employees featuring experts. To promote a #HappySpace culture, exciting events are organized such as org-wide Halloween activities with employees and their families, employee recognition events for top performers and tenured employees, and a week-long year-end Christmas Thanksgiving celebration. The “Mind Your Health” program, launched in 2020, also continues to be a key part of the company’s efforts to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of the workforce. Well-being consultations with doctors and counselors are also provided as a company benefit.

Promoting digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to UNSDG #3: Good health and well-being.

Quirino Promotes Mental Health Awareness through PLDT and Smart’s #BetterToday Program

In partnership with PLDT and Smart, the Provincial Government of Quirino recently held a mental health awareness summit with students and government employees from the province of Quirino.  Advocating mental health awareness in communities, PLDT Group featured mental health professionals, including Riyan Portuguez (“Your Millennial Psychologist”), doctor and podcaster Dr. Gia Sison, and popular content creator Macoy Dubs.

“We are grateful to our partners from PLDT and Smart for bringing this mental health awareness summit to Quirino. This is an important initiative that aims to shed light on the importance of taking care of our mental health. By providing this space to talk about mental health and wellness, we are able to destigmatize these important matters and are able to share the message that there is hope,” said Provincial Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” E. Cua.

“With our Better Today program, we aim to provide a safe space for everyone to create and spark inter-generational conversations on mental health and wellness. As a community platform, Better Today strengthens the vision of togetherness and camaraderie – and how, in every way, it becomes an important reminder that you are not alone. This is a key part of our advocacy in PLDT and Smart to provide a safe, inclusive space for everyone, to help enhance the positive impacts of technology in the lives of Filipino people,” said Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Communications.

The summit enabled the participants to process the lessons learned during the breakout sessions. They were also given an opportunity to engage with Portuguez by asking their questions on mental health-related topics, including self-care, managing and regulating strong emotions, and creating healthy habits to enhance one’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Promoting digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3 that stands for good health and well-being. 

Football for Humanity Para-Athletes Share What Inspires them to Become #BetterToday

Community is important in the growth of a person. Like what writer, educator, and humanitarian Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” This is particularly true for para-athletes, whose respective communities have been their support as they strive to become better each day.

For 14-year-old footballer Jerald Pelonita, football is his source of happiness. “It gives me joy because I can play with my classmates. They supported me to join the football team.”

It was not an easy feat for the shy athlete, who was born without his arms, but he did not give up. “I wanted to be like the famous football players in the Philippines. I continue to watch training videos online and I practice those drills.”

Coach Peter Lim, Jerald’s coach, said that for young ones like Jerald, they enjoy being around many friends. “Jerald saw that there’s no discrimination in the sport. We help them develop their personality.”

Meanwhile, for 28-year-old coach Coleen Faye Grande, who now uses a wheelchair after figuring in a car accident, football became her anchor. A former athlete in a Manila university, Coach Coleen leaned on her family and friends’ support. “It has a positive impact on my mental health. They provide emotional understanding, encouragement, and promote my overall well-being.”

Driven by passion for sports

Despite the challenges, Jerald and Coleen remain steadfast in their faith in the game.

Jerald said his focus is on the ball. “I just think about how to win, how to defend. I know that I can’t do everything, especially with my disability. But I think that I can run as fast as everyone else.”

On the other hand, Coleen shared how sports and her community gave her “so much hope to live my life to the fullest.”

“Sports can teach you valuable lessons such as having a sense of discipline and commitment. Having a sense of purpose can motivate you to become the best athlete or coach that you can be,” she said.

Jerald and Coleen are part of this year’s Better Today: Power Move Project, organized by PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), to celebrate World Mental Health month. An advocacy supported by MVP Sports Foundation and Football for Humanity, this video series aims to champion mental health and wellness through sports and features inspiring stories of Filipino para-athletes and coaches who embody the true meaning of persistence, bravery, and mental resilience.

This initiative is also aligned with the Group’s commitment to help the country achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals #10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. It also aims to uplift and improve the overall digital wellness of Filipinos, underscoring the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being. The promotion of diversity and equality also highlights Concern, one of the four pillars that make up the PLDT Group’s sustainability framework.

Champion Obstacle Course Para Athletes on What Made them #BetterToday

For Adaptive National Athlete of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) Kent Tumangan, representing the country in this sport brought back his self-confidence and discipline. The 27-year-old obstacle course racer and dragon boat paddler found his passion in sports after losing a leg to cancer.

“After my amputation, I went through depression because I was just a teenager when I lost my leg to bone cancer. I kept praying for the Lord to give me a sign so that I could continue my life with one leg. I joined sports for people with disabilities like Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, so that I could divert my thoughts and not feel hopeless,” the para athlete from Mandaue City, Cebu said.

Soon after, he joined the PADS Adaptive Dragonboat Racing team when he saw their post on social media. “That’s what I like about [dragon boat] because our opponents are people without disabilities. Our team is composed of people with disabilities, and our team is competitive. We compete and win overseas,” he shared.

Aside from dragon boat racing, Kent also found a new passion in obstacle course racing. In fact, he, and another teammate, Renson Embradura took home the silver and gold medals, respectively, in the recent OCR World Championships held in Belgium in September 2023.

Famous as a one-legged runner in his community, 32-year-old Renson joined the OCR team upon the invitation of his friend. The para athlete from Sariaya, Quezon was apprehensive at first, but he soon learned to appreciate OCR. He went against the warning of his family, who feared for him when he first joined the team. “They were afraid that I might run into an accident, but I wanted to prove something. I wanted to show my peers that disabilities do not hinder a person, as long as they have the determination to pursue their goals and reach the finish line,” he said.

“Sports does not discriminate, whether you are a person with or without disabilities. This is an opportunity for us to play this sport and represent our country. For those who want to become professional athletes, they should simply do their best and stay consistent,” Kent advised.

Kent and Renson are part of this year’s Better Today: Power Move Project to celebrate World Mental Health month. An advocacy supported by PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with partners MVP Sports Foundation and Football for Humanity, this video series aims to champion mental health and wellness through sports and inspiring stories of Filipino para-athletes and coaches who embody the true meaning of persistence, bravery, and mental resilience.

This initiative is also aligned with the Group’s commitment to help the country achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals #10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities, and uplift and improve the overall digital wellness of Filipinos, underscoring the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being. The promotion of diversity and equality also highlights Concern, one of the four pillars that make up the PLDT Group’s sustainability framework.

Watch Kent’s and Renson’s full interviews on the Better Today Facebook Page and YouTube channel.