PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. partnered with the local government of Lipa, Batangas to fast-track the transformation of the province's most populous center to a 'Smart City'.
The telcos are rolling out fiber-powered WiFi in Lipa's hospitals, schools and government offices, as well as extending connectivity support to the LGU's pandemic response and vaccination program.
To date, WiFi sites are already available at the Lipa District Hospital, National High Schools of Bulacnin, San Isidro, Fernando Air Base, Pinagtongulan, Lodlod, Anilao and Bolbok, Lipa City Science Integrated High School, and Lipa City Senior High School.
PLDT and Smart are rolling out additional WiFi sites across Lipa, including the City Hall, Ospital ng Lipa, Lipa Public Market, Lipa Academy of Sports, Culture and Arts, Abundio Torre Memorial School, GB Lontok Memorial School, Tambo Elementary School, and Inosluban Integrated School.
Smart also donated 12,000 Smart 5G-ready SIM cards, smartphones with load to support the LGU's contact tracing activities, and pocket Wifi for the connectivity needs of Lipa's vaccination program.
Earlier, Smart fired up its Infocast, a web-based text broadcasting solution, in Lipa City to assist the LGU in disseminating information to Lipa citizens.
"Smart has always been there for Lipa," according to City Mayor Eric B. Africa.
"This pandemic has taught us the importance of connectivity," he explained. "Our students need connectivity to continue their online learning. It is not enough to have the gadgets, one must also have a strong connection to be able to maximize them."
"Connectivity is essential as ever, with majority of businesses and households requiring it for business, school and work," stressed PLDT Enterprise AVP and Corporate Relationship Management Head Dennis G. Magbatoc.
"A resilient, fast and secure network is therefore key to transforming Lipa, the most populous city in Batangas, into a Smart City," he concluded.