PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. create more opportunities for
micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and farmers with the help of
technological innovation. The group has extended support to Gawad Kalinga’s 2024
BayanAnihan Summit, a nationwide event that gathered young agricultural stakeholders
to share knowledge, form connections, and empower them in their own efforts in their
communities.
BayanAnihan Summit featured a countryside fair for local agri-businesses, and plenary
sessions on forestry, farming, and the future of agriculture. PLDT and Smart led a
breakout session for a group of young farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and other agri
stakeholders. Titled “AI 101 for Pinoy MSMEs,” the module introduced learners to the
basics of artificial intelligence, AI tools, and how the technology could help them in their
day-to-day activities. The learning session also gave an insight on how they could
protect themselves from mobile and online scams and #BeCyberSmart.
“We want to encourage our youth to explore and participate in agriculture by
demonstrating how technology, especially AI, can revolutionize the sector. Through our
programs like the Digital Farmers Program, we aim to show the youth how they can
leverage AI for tasks like marketing and content creation, allowing them to tap into their
creativity and digital skills while contributing to the agricultural value chain. This not only
opens up new opportunities for them but also strengthens the future of agriculture in the
country,” said PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie V. Orlino.
The three-day BayanAnihan Summit was held at National College of Science and
Technology, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, in Luzon; West Visayas State University, Iloilo
City, in the Visayas; and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City,
in Mindanao, from August to September 2024.
Marione Gueta, one of the participants in the BayanAnihan Summit and the AI 101
session at NCST, said creating content with the help of AI would be most helpful for his
agri business. “I’m very particular on content creation or social media content creation,
because apart from marketing our own products, we also help other MSMEs in our
community,” said Gueta, farm manager at Layuan Nature Integrated Farm based in
Bulan, Sorsogon. He said visibility was one of the biggest challenges for MSMEs, and
skills in online marketing could help them reach a wider audience and expand their
customer base.
PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation and FarmSmart programs aim to harness digital
technologies to enhance the lives and livelihoods of communities all over the
Philippines. These initiatives are aligned with the group’s commitment to the UN
Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1: No Poverty; and SDG 8: Decent
Work and Economic Growth.
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.
