PLDT, Smart Enable Young Innovators to Serve more Filipino Communities through Technology

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) equip more young innovators with skills, serving more Filipino communities through inclusive and sustainable technology.

“PLDT and Smart, through their network and technology, have long extended technical support to help the youth turn their plans into actions, and eventually change the world they live in for the better,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

The PLDT Group’s Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), the first and longest-running Philippine industry-academe linkage, and Innovation Generation (InnoGen), an innovation grant program, have served as platforms for the youth to become digital changemakers in their respective communities.

Team SEER from Bataan Peninsula State University, one of the finalists from InnoGen season 2, recently received a financial grant from the US ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP) in the Philippines for Kloudtech, an IoT-based weather and coastal flood monitoring system.

“Kloudtech’s goal is to enhance disaster resilience among Filipino communities and support government initiatives, assist business owners, and protect coastal communities and residents in low-lying areas. Kloudtech is here to make cities smarter and more livable,” shared Kloudtech CEO Patrick Gozun.

“We discovered the USASCP grant through our university mentors and their extensive research on available funding opportunities. The application process was driven by our team's proactive efforts, along with guidance from mentors and online resources needed to submit a proposal,” added Patrick.

Kloudtech also showcased its technology in a symposium in Jakarta, Indonesia called "A symposium on Accelerating Science, Technology and Circular Innovation" and the 2023 edition of Prototypes for Humanity in Dubai, exhibiting its innovation alongside prestigious universities from 47 countries around the world like the University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, and Standford University.

“Securing the grant has opened avenues for Kloudtech to scale up and make a more substantial impact. We anticipate using the funds strategically to enhance our technology, expand our reach, and ultimately contribute to positive change in the areas addressed by our app,” said Dan Martinez, co-founder of Kloudtech.

“The learnings from our InnoGen experience served as a foundational knowledge base. While we did not secure the grand prize, the experience ultimately inspired us to further enhance and refine our product. We are enthusiastic about the journey ahead and remain committed to bringing our innovative idea to fruition,” said Gil Cruz, another Kloudtech co-founder.

Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages to promote STEM education in the country. This commitment also supports UNSDG #4: Quality Education and is aligned with the vision of the Philippine Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

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.