PLDT, Smart mark 20th year with SWEEP, inspiring youth on tech and innovation

Network Head Roderick Santiago and Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie Orlino of PLDT and Smart, joined by SWEEP alumnus and TimeFree Innovations CEO Chino Atilano, share how SWEEP changed lives in the last two decades

Exhibiting its responsibility towards scholastic and professional excellence, the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, the first and longest-running industry-academe linkage in the Philippines, is presently on its twentieth year.

 

“When we launched SWEEP or the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program in 2003, our dream was to make bold changes in the industry, by promoting a culture of innovation in schools and by encouraging more Filipino students to get into STEM and ICT-related courses.” ~Cathy Yap-Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart

Mr. Chino Atilano, SWEEP alumnus and CEO of TimeFree Innovations, an enterprise software company

SWEEP has become an avenue for long-term learning and discovery about technology as a catalyst for growth and development among the youth. 

 

“We continue to work closely with the country’s leading colleges and universities. We have likewise succeeded in producing industry-ready graduates to meet the increasingly digital demands of our customers, our communities, and our country.” ~Mr. Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network at PLDT and Smart

Mr. Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network at PLDT and Smart

SWEEP has become an avenue for long-term learning and discovery about technology as a catalyst for growth and development among the youth. 

   

“We believe that continuous learning and exposure to emerging technologies, through SWEEP, can equip the youth towards finding innovative solutions that can help create positive impact for present and future generations.” ~Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart 

PLDT-Smart SWEEP celebrates its 20th year with partner schools from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

To officially celebrate SWEEP’s two decades and the program’s milestones, the PLDT Group has just concluded a learning and networking summit called SWEEP@20 and beyond, for its partner schools this month.    

  

Providing a peek into the future, the PLDT Group has discussed more about how 5G, AI or artificial intelligence, XR or extended reality, cloud computing, and advanced networks can help create a sustainable and more inclusive world for all Filipinos and leave no one behind. 

Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages like SWEEP, particularly 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). As one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure pillar of PSAC, PLDT aims to help narrow the digital divide by creating more STEM experts and upskilling more Filipinos toward jobs of the future. 

About PLDT

PLDT is the Philippines' largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups — from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks. 

 

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine — listed companies.

Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com 

About Smart

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network*, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content to over 71.8 million Filipinos*, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.

JoyRide And Happy Move collaborate with PLDT Enterprise to expand business operations

JoyRide and Happy Move tie-up with PLDT Enterprise to equip their drivers and riders with communication and connectivity solutions they can utilize for daily operations.

JoyRide and Happy Move, a motorcycle ride-hailing firm that has innovated to become a delivery service, tie up with PLDT Enterprise to equip their drivers and riders with communication and connectivity solutions they can utilize for daily operations.

 



JoyRide and Happy Move tie-up with PLDT Enterprise to equip their drivers and riders with communication and connectivity solutions they can utilize for daily operations.



In line with its vision to make a positive impact on every single business, PLDT Enterprise enables the expansion of JoyRide and Happy Move’s business operations through its connectivity services.

 



JoyRide and Happy Move tie-up with PLDT Enterprise to equip their drivers and riders with communication and connectivity solutions they can utilize for daily operations.





During the enhanced community quarantine, JoyRide and Happy Move partnered with different LGUs to give opportunities to tricycle drivers for alternative livelihood as delivery riders for the said apps. Around 10,000 tricycle drivers and other riders have been given livelihood, as JoyRide and Happy Move saw the need to change its platform to point-to-point (P2P) delivery and concierge service (JoyRide Pabili). 

“Our latest project with the local government units, the tricycle drivers conversion to independent delivery service providers, is a further testament to the commitment of JoyRide and Happy Move to assist public and private entities in creating jobs and livelihood opportunities during this pandemic. JoyRide and Happy Move will continue to be a true partner and “kasundo” of the Filipino in good times and in bad. Among the many sectors of society most affected by the coronavirus pandemic has been the motorcycle taxi service sector. The need to provide immediate relief to our thousands of rider partners forced JoyRide and Happy Move to pivot our business model to a multi service, on-demand mobile delivery application.” ~Noli Eala, JoyRide Vice President for Corporate Affairs

Through its new partnership with PLDT Enterprise, JoyRide and Happy Move riders and bikers will now enjoy the benefits of Smart Bizload—where they can receive prepaid loads quickly using the platform to aid their communication requirements while doing deliveries.



During the enhanced community quarantine, JoyRide, and Happy Move partnered with different LGUs to give opportunities to tricycle drivers for alternative livelihood as delivery riders for the said apps.



PLDT Enterprise, together with Soprano, also provided Joyride and Happy Move with Smart Messaging Suite Service focused on enabling secure registration of new Joyride customers as well as text blasts for their customers.

“We at PLDT Enterprise continue to commit to being of service to Filipinos while fighting COVID-19. These services will enable Joyride and Happy Move to blast news and announcements to our riders and help make their delivery service accessible and efficiently to those who need it. We applaud JoyRide and Happy Move that amidst the job losses these past months, they have given hope to many riders. Their delivery services have been in great demand since the pandemic, and PLDT Enterprise’s solutions have enabled JoyRide and Happy Move to ensure strong connectivity and reliable service.” ~Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups

JoyRide and Happy Move have recently widened its ecosystem by tying up with local government units (LGUs) such as Antipolo, Valenzuela, Binangonan and Bacoor, to partnering with local institutions to broaden its rider base.

 

This initiative is another addition to the ongoing efforts of PLDT Enterprise in enabling the private sector with connectivity and digital solutions amid the challenges posed by the community quarantine.

 

For more information, go to pldtenterprise.com.


 

 

 

 

PLDT launches new package of business-grade internet and digital solutions

 

 

Harnessing PLDT's most extensive fiver optic network of over 322,000 kilometers and growing, as well as continuous capacity and infrastructure upgrades, BEYOND FIBER delivers a speed of up to 50Mbps with an enhanced service promise giving a faster and more reliable connectivity to handle the workload of today's digital enterprise. Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT, Inc. has launched its newest package of connectivity and digital solutions to help businesses gear up for operating in the New Normal.



Called BEYOND FIBER, the new service package offered by PLDT’s Enterprise Group features a set of curated digital tools ranging from productivity and collaboration tools to e-payments and e-commerce solutions. These services are combined with enterprise-grade WiFi running on premium fiber service—enabling small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to fearlessly make the digital shift towards long-term growth.

 



“We at PLDT and Smart are focused on putting the customer at the center of everything we do. Within the Enterprise group, we aim to do this through the launch of solutions such as BEYOND FIBER, which is set to benefit all our customers—regardless of size or industry. We look forward to seeing how this solution will inspire business to look beyond the current situation and take their businesses further.” ~Al Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer

To manage the expanding use of Wi-Fi devices in the workplace, BEYOND FIBER comes with a business-grade wi-fi router, powered by Cisco Meraki. BEYOND FIBER can provide dual Wi-Fi networks - one for work and one for guests, keeping your connection secure while sharing your wi-fi connection. For telecommute, BEYOND Fiber prioritizes work productivity by enforcing corporate network policies for employees.



For only P2,500 a month, SMEs and large enterprises alike can avail of the foundational components of BEYOND FIBER: enterprise-grade connectivity via a premium WiFi device and fiber connection, all supported by a dedicated business hotline.



BEYOND FIBER raises the bar by offering a more robust business-grade fiber link with speeds of up to 50 Mbps—harnessing PLDT’s extensive fiber optic network with over 322,000 kilometers of fiber cables and growing – to better enable the day-to-day business for an office, a branch or for people working from home.



“Digitalization has now become critical for businesses that want to survive and thrive under the challenging conditions created by the COVID pandemic. We specifically designed BEYOND FIBER to equip businesses with digital solutions tailor-fit to the growing needs of today’s enterprises. These are the solutions initially lined up under BEYOND FIBER.  We will have more in the months to come. This initiative is designed to help businesses to make their digital shift—so that they grow amid the COVID crisis and help power the recovery of the national economy.” ~Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President &; CEO and SVP Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups

To manage the expanding use of wi-fi connectivity in the workplace, BEYOND FIBER comes with a secure, enterprise-grade wi-fi router. Stores for example can have dual wi-fi networks: one for work, and one for guests.

For businesses using telecommute or work-from-home arrangements, the WiFi service can enforce certain network policies to support their company processes.  This is made possible by PLDT’s partnership with Cisco Meraki – a leader in cloud managed IT with unmatched visibility and control. 

On top of this, PLDT is offering a selection of solutions that fit current and future digital needs of enterprises. This includes productivity tools available through Microsoft 365’s suite of work solutions, collaboration tools via MS Teams, appointments scheduling via MS Bookings.



BEYOND FIBER also offers solutions to protect work devices from cyber-attacks via ePLDT’s Endpoint Advanced Security, to enable cashless and online payments via Paymaya, and to provide secure & private connections through Cisco Meraki Z3.

For more information on BEYOND FIBER by PLDT Enterprise, log on to https://pldtenterprise.com/solutions/internet/beyond-fiber.

 

 

 

 

 

About PLDT
PLDT is the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Through its principal business groups – fixed line, wireless and others – PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks.

 

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine-listed companies.

 

 

 



PLDT Enterprise provides Philippine Army COVID-19 Quarantine Sites with Free Connectivity.



 

As part of its continuous efforts to support the country's response to COVID-19, PLDT Enterprise deploys free connectivity support to the quarantine areas covered by the Philippine Army.

All quarantine areas manned by uniformed personnel in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila for COVID-19 patients now have business-grade fiber internet which leverages on PLDT Group's most expansive fiber optic network in the country. The COVID-19 quarantine areas include Philippine Army Wellness Center, Gate 5 Barracks, SOQ TRADOC Building, and Libingan ng mga Bayani.

"We at PLDT Enterprise extend support to the Philippine Army in order to strengthen their capabilities in responding to the battle against COVID-19. This service enables health professionals deployed at COVID-19 treatment facilities to be informed of the latest information and stay connected to their families." ~Jovy I. Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups

The fiber-grade connectivity will allow the army personnel to remain informed of the latest news about the coronavirus, and likewise will enable COVID-19 patients in the quarantine areas to keep in touch with their loved ones.

The initiative is just one of PLDT’s endeavors to enable uniformed personnel with connectivity support. The group’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications recently provided 540 smartphones loaded with voice, SMS and data packages for the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel at lockdown checkpoints.

"We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the services the PLDT Group has extended to the Philippine Army in line with our efforts to address the threats of COVID-19. We salute you for not hesitating to provide the services to the Philippine Army. We hope and pray that we can overcome this crisis at the soonest time possible." ~Mark Edwin B. Moro, Philippine Army Colonel (SC) MNSA PA

PLDT Enterprise also recently deployed free connectivity to other COVID-19 facilities in Luzon such as World Trade Center and Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About PLDT

PLDT is the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Through its principal business groups – fixed line, wireless and others – PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks.

 

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine-­listed companies.