PLDT, Smart continue to lend support to pandemic response

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. continue to back up the government’s nationwide COVID-19 response by providing much-needed connectivity support.

PLDT and Smart have turned over Smart Bro pocket WiFi and PLDT prepaid home WiFi units that would be used by frontliners and volunteers at the Office of the Vice President’s drive-thru vaccination site in Harbor Square in Manila.

The site is expected to cater to tricycle drivers, pedicab drivers and delivery riders from the city.

PLDT and Smart have also previously rolled out fast and free Smart WiFi connectivity in isolation sites set-up by the Office of the Vice President in Malabon City.

“Connectivity is a key component in our country’s COVID-19 response. We are always ready to work with our government to ensure that vaccination sites and other COVID-19 facilities have access to fast and reliable connectivity, and we take this mission to heart,” PLDT and Smart president and CEO Alfredo Panlilio said.

PLDT and Smart’s support to the country’s fight against the pandemic have also included the rollout of fiber-powered WiFi connectivity to government-run quarantine, swabbing, isolation and vaccination sites, as well as other COVID-19 facilities.

Since last year, PLDT and Smart have been providing connectivity and communications support to frontline agencies and their personnel in different parts of the country to help front liners and patients stay connected despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“We have always been at the forefront of using our cutting-edge technology to create a better future for everyone. This is the driving force that has kept us going. It has always been in our DNA to serve and improve the lives of Filipino people – not just our customers,” said Jane Basas, senior vice president and head of consumer wireless business at Smart.

Smart has also recently partnered with the local government of Lipa City in Batangas to fast-track the city’s journey toward becoming a “Smart City.”

Under the partnership, PLDT and Smart are ramping up the rollout of fast, reliable and fiber-powered Smart WiFi in Lipa’s hospitals, schools and government offices, as well as extending connectivity support to the LGU’s pandemic response and vaccination program.