PLDT, Smart commit to support SDGs

MANILA, Philippines — Manuel V. Pangilinan-led telecommunication firms have pledged their support to the country’s bid to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. affirmed their commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the inaugural meeting organized by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

PLDT and Smart are the only telco firms that have been invited to join the NEDA-led Stakeholders’ Chamber on SDGs.

The SDGs are 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” by 2030.

The year 2020 was supposed to be the start of a decade of action to accelerate progress on the SDGs, but the pandemic threatened prospects for achieving the goal.

Chief sustainability officer and investor relations head Melissa Vergel de Dios said the NEDA-led chamber aims to create a meaningful impact on the country’s journey toward sustainability.

“Our membership in the chamber dovetails with the company’s focus of embedding sustainability in the business, anchored on our purpose of connecting and empowering Filipinos everywhere digitally. It is also aligned with the objective of being stewards of the planet for the next generation,” de Dios said.

Aligned with the United Nation’s thrust, NEDA envisions the chamber as a venue to promote understanding, develop ownership, and facilitate the emergence of well-aligned partnerships for the achievement of the SDGs.

The members represent local government organizations, academic institutions, business groups, trade unions, youth organizations, and other groups working on SDGs, as well as representatives from the basic and vulnerable sectors.

The chamber creates an opportunity for engagement between government and non-government agencies and organizations on how to efficiently manage resources and to coordinate programs that will help the Philippines attain the SDGs.