PLDT Home Connects Communities to Emotional Wellness Through ‘Fiber Talks’

PLDT Home brought its ‘Fiber Talks’ series to Sorrel Residences in Sampaloc, Manila, with digital creator and mental health advocate Mark Averilla—aka Macoy Dubs—leading the discussion on emotional intelligence and mental wellness. In his talk “Emotional Intelligence 101: Harnessing Your EQ Through Teenage Years,” Macoy emphasized self-awareness, recognizing stressors, and managing emotional challenges. He also shared #BeCyberSmart tips to promote safe and mindful online spaces.

"Part of PLDT's mission to provide the best digital services is to ensure online safety and digital wellness for all. By promoting mental well-being and bringing these conversations into communities, we hope to help our customers build healthier relationships and navigate the digital world more safely and mindfully," according to Stephanie V. Orlino, head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart.

“It is important that we recognize how emotional intelligence affects our work performance, physical and mental health, relationships, and social intelligence,” Macoy said.

Highlighting insights from a Yale University study, Macoy shared that emotional intelligence involves recognizing and labeling emotions—both one’s own and others’—and managing them effectively.

“It’s important that we are emotionally self-aware. Effectively managing your emotions is a key life skill,” said Macoy. “Meron tayong mga pagsubok na pinagdadaanan sa buhay. Kapag nakakaramdam kayo ng kabigatan o kalungkutan, i-acknowledge niyo ang inyong emosyon — but we have to move on.”

The teenage years are critical in shaping a person’s emotional intelligence because of how rapidly the brain, identity, and social awareness develop during this period.

“It’s the time when they figure out who they are and how they fit into the world. Emotional habits built during this period are often carried into adulthood,” Macoy added. “Developing skills like empathy, emotional labeling, and regulation can help a person manage stress, form stronger relationships, and achieve professional success later on.”

Macoy reminded the audience that stress is part of our everyday lives, and possessing a developed emotional intelligence can help navigate and overcome these challenges.

PLDT Home’s Fiber Talks is a community-based program aimed at promoting mental wellness by engaging residents in meaningful conversations with mental health advocates and hosting activities that build connections between neighbors.

PLDT and Smart ramped up efforts to address mental health concerns especially in the lockdown stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PLDT Group hosted online sessions and, later on, in-person conversations with local government units, members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and other youth-focused organizations across the Philippines, that featured mental health co-champions like Macoy.

These mental health initiatives form part of PLDT and Smart’s broader efforts to promote digital wellness and social responsibility—supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3 on good health and well-being.