TV5, Voyager team up for free data access to #BilangPilipino

MANILA, Philippines - Starting today, millions of Filipinos will be able to access breaking election news and updates free of data charges through the website of BilangPilipino.com, TV5's special news coverage of the historic 2016 Philippine elections. This public service is made possible via SafeZone, the sponsored data mobile app and platform of Voyager Innovations.

Through the collaboration, subscribers of Smart and Sun Cellular can get free data access to BilangPilipino.com by just downloading and logging in to the SafeZone mobile app, the no. 1 local community site in the country in terms of unique page views as of end-March based on data from Effective Measure. 

"Digital media is already enabling Filipinos in very meaningful ways. By making access toBilangPilipino.com free of charge via  SafeZone, we are making it easier for our citizens to participate in the electoral conversation," said Orlando B. Vea, President and CEO of Voyager Innovations.

"Our nation's history is unfolding even as our collective future is being shaped. It's important for our fellow countrymen to keep updated on developments and participate in the online discussions. With this initiative with SafeZone, we are helping enable the mobile data experience for millions of Filipinos who are closely following the elections," said Noel Lorenzana, President of Mediaquest Holdings, the umbrella company that brings together TV5, Digital5, Philstar, BusinessWorld and Bloomberg, among other media outfits, for the #BilangPilipino special news coverage.

Available for download via Google Play or App Store, the SafeZone mobile app also gives users free access to popular brand and social networking sites such as Facebook Lite, Twitter and Instagram.

#BilangPilipino combines the forces of TV5, InterAksyon, News5Everywhere, Philstar, Businessworld, Bloomberg, PLDT, Smart, Voyager Innovations and Talas. The campaign also counts NAMFREL, the CBCP, and PPCRV as well as academic institutions including the University of the Philippines (UP), Far Eastern University (FEU) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) as partners.

"This is the most digitally engaged elections we have seen so far in our country's history. #BilangPilipino is already providing us with the most in-depth, data-driven, and relevant news coverage. This initiative to free up data access through SafeZone allows more Filipinos anywhere, anytime to be informed and act," said Benjie Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer at Voyager Innovations.

Voyager Innovations is the digital innovations arm of PLDT and Smart. Part of its mission is to enable digital inclusion with platforms such as SafeZone and PowerApp. In particular, the Safezone platform provides daily free access to partner sites in banking, travel, health, food, leisure, information and entertainment.