PLDT and Smart Support Mindanao Media’s Digital Transformation Through AI Tools

Technology like AI becomes most powerful when it serves the good of all, including the media and journalists who inform the public. Used responsibly, AI strengthens credible storytelling, enhances accuracy and efficiency, and allows journalists to focus on truth, context, and public service, reinforcing a more informed and accountable society. To this end, PLDT and Smart recently turned over AI-in-a-Box packages to media partners as part of their continuing support for media professionals in Mindanao. With this, newsrooms can strengthen their workflows and enhance productivity while ensuring ethical and responsible reporting.

“The AI-in-a-Box package supports our growth by giving our newsroom practical access to AI tools as we navigate digital transformation,” said Gladys Chu, CEO of Mindanao Gold Star Daily. “These resources will help our team strengthen research, storytelling, and content planning in a responsible, human-led way. It will also assist me in analyzing our data sets to better manage the organization. For a legacy media organization of our size, this support is both enabling and well-timed.”

Joel Escovilla, Editor-in-Chief of Mindanao Times, said, “Over the years, Smart has always been a valued partner for the community press, particularly in supporting media literacy and training. And this AI in a Box is another proof of that partnership.”

Each AI-in-a-Box includes Smart 5G WiFi connectivity, load cards, and access to a premium ChatGPT subscription. “We are extremely thankful for the WiFi router, which helps provide redundancy in case of signal disruptions on our LAN Internet, considering how critical an uninterrupted connection is to our work. The AI tool will also help our newsroom with content generation to scale our social media campaign faster,” Escovilla added.

Media professionals in Cagayan de Oro and Davao also previously participated in the workshop “AI in the Newsroom: Productivity, Ethics & Combating Misinformation,” led by journalist, technologist, and media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla. The session covered real-world newsroom applications of AI, including research support, fact-checking, writing and editing assistance, multimedia creation, and the responsible use of chatbots and AI writing tools.

This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By expanding access to AI-powered tools for local media organizations, PLDT and Smart are helping bridge the digital divide and strengthen the country’s information infrastructure.