Residents of Aloguinsan, Cebu are set to benefit from an improved communication and connectivity after telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. successfully rolled out additional cellular sites in the area.
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, PLDT said it joined forces with Smart to connect the municipality of Aloguinsan, as part of its support to the government’s thrust for nationwide digitalization.
PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Deputy Network Head Roderick Santiago said that the group continues to invest in enhancing integrated fixed and wireless networks across the country to keep families connected, enable livelihoods, boost the government's nationwide digitalization thrust and deliver the best possible experience to customers.
Among those expected to benefit from the new cellular sites are members of the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS), a long time partner of Smart.
BAETAS President Rudney Carcuevas said: "We used to have to hike to higher ground to get a signal. Now, managing bookings is much easier, and we no longer need to visit remittance centers for down payments since we can already access mobile payments here.”
BAETAS is responsible for preserving the world-renowned Bojo River, an ecotourism destination named one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2021 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Since the establishment of Smart’s cell site in the area, the group said it has seen a significant reduction in tourist complaints related to poor communication.
“By continuing to expand and fortify its network across Cebu and other areas in Visayas, Smart remains dedicated to its mission to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity for all, and bring the benefits of the internet closer to more Filipinos, creating positive impact in communities across the country through technology,” Smart said.
The PLDT Group’s investments in its network and innovative products and services are aligned with the group’s commitment to democratize access to the latest technologies and deliver elevated customer experience nationwide.
These also contribute to the PLDT Group’s commitment to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, as well as reinforce the Group’s support for the Government's overall digitalization thrust.