Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications have extended support to various groups to ensure the success of the 2019 national and local elections.
PLDT recently formalized its support to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting for the midterm elections by boosting the PPCRV headquarters’ connectivity facilities. These services include high-speed fiber, computer servers, Smart LTE SIMs and prepaid load credits, and smartphones for its personnel and volunteers.
In Cebu, PLDT-Smart teamed up with SunStar and dyLA and provided connectivity for the use of media personnel at the Philippine National Police Region 7 office, Cebu Provincial Capitol, Guadalupe Elementary School, and the city halls of Cebu and Mandaue.
Smart also provided connectivity support to reporters and photographers to help them as they break the news and file real-time election updates.
PLDT and Smart also turned over communications support to volunteers of Cebu-Citizens Involvement and Maturation for Peoples Empowerment and Liberation. C-Cimpel serves as a poll watchdog and is the local counterpart of PPCRV. The group’s headquarters on Election Day is at Seminaryo Mayor de San Carlos.
Smart likewise committed election support to the Diocese of Dumaguete through Msgr. Julius Heruela, head of the Diocesan Electoral Board.
In October 2018, PLDT and Smart also signed an agreement with GMA Network to collaborate in delivering an efficient election coverage. With PLDT-Smart’s fast and reliable data and communication services and GMA’s in-depth and up-to-date multiplatform coverage, the public can stay updated on what’s happening in their area as well as on the national front.
PLDT Global Corp., the international arm of the PLDT group that provides telecommunications services to Filipinos abroad, also offered assistance to overseas voters.
In partnership with Philippine consulates, embassies, and overseas labor offices in most parts of Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, PGC launched a social media information drive to help overseas Filipinos know how and where to cast their votes.
In Hong Kong, where the polling station is a long walk from the train station, the PGC staff distributed refreshments to the voters after they cast their ballots.
Over the years, PLDT and Smart have partnered with various institutions as Filipinos exercise their right to vote. Through its telecommunications services, the companies aim to help keep the public informed as part of efforts toward nation-building.
