Smart Fires up New Palawan Site, Boosts Bayanihan SIM Program

PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) recently fired up a new site in San Vicente, Palawan, in continued support of the government’s thrust to bring reliable internet access closer to more Filipinos in last-mile communities.

“By bringing fast and reliable mobile connectivity to towns like San Vicente in Palawan, we enable more Filipinos in underserved communities to access opportunities in education, livelihood, and innovation,” said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT chief operating officer and network head.

“This milestone also highlights the power of strengthened collaboration with our government partners, so that together, we can deliver meaningful connectivity solutions that accelerate inclusive development,” added Jimenez, who is also PLDT’s representative to the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

The new tower is also expected to boost the government’s Bayanihan SIM initiative, which provides free SIMs with mobile data to Filipinos in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) like San Vicente, which is located around 500 kilometers southwest of Manila.

At Old Caruray Elementary School, Smart and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) distributed about 1,500 SIM cards with prepaid load to government-identified beneficiaries, including students. Under the partnership, beneficiaries will receive 25GB of data per month for 12 months, fully subsidized by the government.

PLDT also turned over a School-in-a-Bag package courtesy of PLDT-Smart Foundation to Old Caruray Elementary School, represented by principal Alma Dalipe. A portable digital classroom, each School-in-a-Bag package includes a laptop for the teacher, 10 tablets pre-loaded with DepEd curriculum-based learning materials and interactive educational applications, a Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wi-Fi device, and expandable storage.

Also present at the tower launching ceremonies were Palawan Gov. Amy Roa Alvarez, Palawan 1st District Rep. Rosalie A. Salvame, San Vicente, Palawan Mayor Ramir R. Pablico, and Brgy Chair Bernardo M. Borja, officials from the DICT, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and Department of Education, and PLDT Enterprise executives Ruby Montoya and Euan Toralballa.

The Bayanihan SIM program is a key initiative supporting the government’s push for nationwide digital connectivity. It is enabled by Smart's mobile network and is supported by PLDT's fiber infrastructure, the country's most extensive. The PLDT Group's continued investment in enhancing its integrated fixed and wireless network is part of the Group’s broader commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience across the country.