The Enterprise business reported revenues of ₱12.4 billion for the first quarter of 2026, a 4% year-on-year increase, supported by sustained demand for ICT and digital infrastructure services, alongside strong Wireless performance.

Growth in the quarter was primarily driven by Corporate Data and ICT, which reached ₱9.3 billion, continuing to account for the majority of Enterprise revenues. This reflects organizations increasingly consolidating toward integrated, managed, and analytics-driven platforms to improve efficiency, scalability, and decision-making.

Within ICT, PLDT’s ICT subsidiary, ePLDT, recorded 34% year-on-year growth in technology services revenues, driven by strong performance in managed services and Data & AI solutions. These gains reflect the growing demand for solutions that allow customers to operate in an environment where speed, adaptability, and continuous innovation are critical for maintaining competitiveness.

In the data center segment, ePLDT's subsidiary VITRO Inc. delivered strong double-digit revenue growth. This performance was driven by robust demand from key enterprise industries and hyperscalers, reflecting the continued and growing need for data center infrastructure.

The Fixed business remained broadly stable, supported by sustained enterprise investments in network transformation and modernization initiatives. Fiber lines grew by 6% year-on-year, while SD-WAN lines increased by 17%, reflecting the continued shift of enterprises toward highly resilient fiber connectivity and software-defined networking solutions to support cloud adoption, multi-site operations, and centralized network management.

Meanwhile, PGC Enterprise revenues grew by 26%, highlighting momentum across international connectivity and digital platform services. Together, these developments underscore Enterprise’s continued efforts to enable digital transformation through scalable, resilient, and future-ready connectivity solutions.

On the Wireless front, the business sustained strong growth momentum, expanding by 13% in the first quarter—an acceleration from the 3% growth recorded in 2025. This was driven by the continued performance of Wireless platform solutions such as A2P, Bizload, and IoT, which are expanding the role of Wireless beyond core products like Enterprise Postpaid and Enterprise Broadband. A2P growth was further supported by higher SMS traffic, with an additional 1.4 billion messages versus the same period last year, as messaging aggregators continued to power business communications at scale. Meanwhile, Bizload and IoT supported enterprises in automating load distribution across workforces and improving operational efficiency through connected solutions.

Overall, the Enterprise segment’s performance in the quarter highlights a structural shift toward ICT-led growth, supported by a solid connectivity backbone across Fixed and Wireless solutions. This integrated approach—combining ICT, Fixed, and Wireless—enables enterprises to operate more seamlessly across locations while strengthening the reliability and scalability of their digital infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the Enterprise business is expected to sustain its momentum through continued expansion of ICT services, ongoing network modernization initiatives, and enhancements in service quality and customer experience. These efforts position the segment to capture evolving enterprise requirements as demand for secure, scalable, and intelligent digital infrastructure continues to grow.

L–R: Hazel Amoyan, Head of CRM – Visayas and Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head of Domestic Enterprise Business, Regional & Commercial of PLDT Enterprise with Norman Curato, President and CEO, and Catherine Curato, Chief Finance Officer of Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc., marking the strengthening of a partnership focused on enabling scalable AI-IoT innovation through reliable connectivity.

PLDT Enterprise is deepening its partnership with Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc., to support the company’s growing AI-IoT ecosystem through scalable and reliable connectivity. The collaboration highlights how wireless infrastructure can help enable digital transformation, operational efficiency, and data-driven innovation in real-world business transformation.

Xeleqt is a technology company focused on AI-IoT solutions aimed at improving workplace productivity and engagement. It is an AI-of-Things enabled business-to-employee platform that measures, rewards, and records workforce performance. The company started with a vision of delivering real-time services to traditional businesses that lacked access to emerging opportunities as smart devices became more prominent. It has since grown into a team dedicated to driving transformation through technology.

Xeleqt won the grand prize at the Start-up Innovation Challenge at PH Digicon 2023, in partnership with PLDT, and was later selected by the Department of Trade and Industry to represent the Philippines at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair.

A commitment to supporting technology innovators with scalable connectivity

PLDT Enterprise’s partnership with Xeleqt is centered on providing the wireless connectivity foundation needed to support a growing AI-IoT ecosystem. As Xeleqt’s deployments expanded, the company needed a solution capable of supporting thousands of connected devices while maintaining performance, reliability, and uptime. It also needed a connectivity platform capable of supporting AI-enabled IoT applications, from real-time data capture to analytics and automation.

Enabled by PLDT Enterprise, Xeleqt’s devices run on Smart’s IoT connectivity, supporting reliable and always-on performance across its operations.

This expanded deployment is expected to strengthen Xeleqt’s ability to support more automated, intelligent, and data-driven applications across its operations. By providing always-on connectivity at scale, the partnership reinforces wireless infrastructure as a key enabler of innovation.

Built on a growing partnership

The relationship between the two companies traces back to Xeleqt’s mother company, Spingine Corp, a system integrator that initially worked with PLDT Enterprise to support large-scale connectivity requirements. When Xeleqt was formally established in 2021, the collaboration continued and evolved in line with the company’s growing focus on IoT solutions.

As Xeleqt scaled its operations, PLDT Enterprise’s wireless IoT SIM solutions helped strengthen network reliability, simplify connectivity management, and support the company’s planned AI-ready IoT ecosystem. This continuity of engagement—from Spingine Corp to Xeleqt—is part of what reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s role as a long-term connectivity partner in Xeleqt’s digital transformation journey.

“Partnerships like this show how scalable wireless connectivity can directly support innovation and operational efficiency,” said Jay Lagdameo, Vice President and Head, Domestic Enterprise Business, Regional & Commercial at PLDT Enterprise. “As Xeleqt continues to expand its AI-IoT initiatives, PLDT Enterprise remains committed to providing the reliable connectivity foundation that helps power those efforts.”

“As Xeleqt continues to grow its AI-IoT solutions, having scalable and reliable connectivity is critical to how we serve our customers and expand our operations,” said Norman Curato, President of Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc., “Our collaboration with PLDT Enterprise gives us the connectivity foundation we need to support more intelligent and data-driven applications at scale.”

Photo shows (L-R): PLDT Enterprise Senior Relationship Manager Rexie Padilla; PLDT Enterprise AVP and Customer Relationship Management Head, Jackielyn J. Ang; PLDT Enterprise VP and Head - Key Industries Group, Jecyn M. Chua-Teng; Araneta City Inc. (ACI) Sr Management Consultant, Rowell L. Recinto; ePLDT and VITRO Inc. President and CEO, and Head of PLDT Enterprise Key Industries Group Victor S. Genuino;  ACI CEO, Chairman, and President Jorge L. Araneta; ACI SVP for Business Development John Peter Chick B. Caste, and ePLDT Chief Commercial Officer Amil A. Azurin at the contract signing formalizing the partnership to strengthen ACI's digital transformation.

PLDT Enterprise and Araneta City Inc. (ACI) have formalized a strategic partnership to strengthen the digital backbone of Araneta City, reinforcing a long-standing collaboration that continues to evolve alongside the growing technology needs of one of Metro Manila’s most established urban districts.

The partnership brings together PLDT Enterprise’s fixed solutions, wireless enterprise offerings powered by the mobile network of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and the multi-cloud and digital infrastructure expertise of PLDT’s ICT subsidiary ePLDT Inc. and data center arm VITRO Inc. Through this managed integrated ecosystem, ACI is strengthening its cloud-based digital infrastructure across key business units - spanning real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and food service – to enable more secure and scalable platforms that support cost optimization, operational efficiency, and customer experience.

“At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to ensure that Araneta City continues to thrive as a resilient, innovative, and customer-focused organization,” says Victor S. Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., and Head of PLDT Enterprise Key Industries Group. “Our role is simple: to support our customers’ goals and ensure that partnerships run smoothly, backed by the full strength of PLDT Enterprise’s end-to-end solutions.”

The established collaboration between parent company PLDT Inc. and ACI has expanded over time, as the latter’s transformative digital requirements have grown in scale and complexity. “PLDT has been with us throughout our technological journey - from simpler and legacy-based requirements, to the more complex digital needs we have today,” said Rowell L. Recinto, Sr Management Consultant of ACI. “What we value most is not just access to the latest technologies, but solutions that are proven, reliable, and responsive to our business and our tenants.”

Often referred to as the City of Firsts, Araneta City continues to grow as a major commercial and lifestyle hub in Metro Manila, serving millions of visitors across its entertainment venues, malls, hotels, and offices. Strengthening its digital infrastructure supports more seamless operations and customer experiences across the district.

The partnership supports high-capacity connectivity, and secure cloud infrastructure that will enable ACI to further explore innovations in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging AI platforms. “As urban developments become more connected with intelligent data-driven insights, integrated technology ecosystems play a critical role in enabling resilient and future-ready environments. We look forward to progressing alongside ACI as they boldly embrace innovation to accelerate their digital transformation and reinforce their standing as a top-tier leader in urban development, while driving the district’s long-term growth,” Genuino says.

Discover how PLDT Enterprise supports businesses with end-to-end digital solutions, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-araneta-city-partnership-2026-pr.

Alfamart Trading Philippines, Inc. (Alfamart), the minimart chain of the SM Group, continues to strengthen its retail operations nationwide through its longstanding partnership with PLDT Enterprise, leveraging reliable mobile connectivity on the high-performance network of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to support its growing workforce and expanding store network.

Known for its aggressive growth and expansion plans, Alfamart has built a strong presence across the Philippines, particularly in underserved communities, by providing access to essential goods at competitive prices. With a total network of 2,494 existing branches and plans to open at least 400 new stores annually, reliable communication across its stores and office-based teams is critical to sustaining day-to-day operations and supporting continued growth.

A Commitment to Supporting the Retail Industry

PLDT Enterprise’s collaboration with Alfamart underscores its commitment to supporting the retail sector, particularly large-scale retail operations that rely on seamless coordination across geographically dispersed locations. By providing dependable communication support, PLDT Enterprise helps ensure that retail teams remain connected, responsive, and operationally efficient as Alfamart continues to scale.

To support Alfamart’s communication needs, PLDT Enterprise provides Smart Postpaid Plans, enabling employees across stores and offices to benefit from wider network coverage and reliable mobile connectivity brought by Smart. Running on Smart's superior and resilient mobile network, these solutions help facilitate day-to-day coordination, improve responsiveness, and support the operational demands of a fast-growing retail organization.

“Retail operations depend on consistent and reliable connectivity, especially as store networks continue to grow,” said Victor Genuino, Head of Key Industry Group at PLDT Enterprise and President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc. “Through our longstanding partnership with Alfamart, PLDT Enterprise remains committed to supporting their operations with mobile solutions that help keep teams connected and enable business continuity.”

A Partnership Built on Reliability and Service

With Alfamart’s transition to Smart services starting in 2020, highlighted by the advantages of nation-widest network coverage and aftersales service, the partnership has now reached its third renewal, with PLDT Enterprise continuing to support Alfamart’s postpaid requirements for both store-based and office-based users. The collaboration reflects a shared focus on reliability, service quality, and long-term partnership—key factors that support Alfamart’s continued expansion and operational efficiency.

From Alfamart, Harvey Ong, Chief Operating Officer, shared that the partnership with PLDT Enterprise continues to play a role in supporting the company’s expanding operations. “As Alfamart grows its store network across the country, having a reliable telecommunications partner is essential. PLDT Enterprise’s mobile solutions and service support our teams as we continue to serve communities nationwide.”

Through this collaboration, PLDT Enterprise reinforces its role as a trusted technology partner for large retail organizations—supporting Alfamart’s mission to improve accessibility to essential goods, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to local economic development across the Philippines.

To learn more about PLDT Enterprise’s solutions, visit [UTM]

About PLDT Enterprise

PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience. With a strong commitment to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.

As families spend more time at home during the holidays, whether hosting reunions, streaming Christmas movies, gaming with loved ones, and staying connected with long-distance relatives, PLDT Home makes the season even more meaningful with its exclusive Holiday Treats.

PLDT Home’s holiday offerings surely elevate everyday moments at home. From binge-worthy streaming nights and lag-free gaming sessions to smart living at home, PLDT Home bundles unlimited connectivity, entertainment, and smart home upgrades into one festive promo.


Unleash Unlimited Entertainment at Home


For just ₱1,799 per month, customers who subscribe to PLDT Home Fiber Unli All enjoy free speed boost of up to 500 Mbps for the first six months, perfect for simultaneous streaming, online gaming, and video calls with loved ones. This promo also comes with free installation, a one-year iGV Game Pass, Cignal TV, and ₱1,000 worth of Rewards Crystals, making holidays even more enjoyable for families.


Whether it’s movie marathons after Noche Buena, kids gaming during the school break, or virtual holiday catch-ups with relative and friends, PLDT Home ensures reliable connections this Christmas.


This season is also the perfect time to refresh and upgrade the home. With Next Upgrade smart home gadgets, PLDT Home customers can enjoy discounts of up to ₱14,995 off on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, home appliances, wearables, and smart home sensors. These upgrades help create a more comfortable, efficient, and future-ready home, which is ideal and timely for hosting guests or simply enjoying quieter holiday vacation with family.


Rewards for Holiday Cheer


To make the holidays even more rewarding, PLDT Home Fiber subscribers automatically earn up to 1,000 worth of Rewards Crystals, which can be used for bill rebates or redeemed with popular partner merchants such as Grab, Maya, Steam, Garena, Zalora, Lazada, and more. That’s perfect for holiday shopping, food deliveries, or digital treats.


PLDT Home also extends its holiday treats for Fiber Prepaid customers who also get a chance to win Lazada vouchers and exclusive Next Upgrade discounts.

Enjoy PLDT Home’s Holiday Treats until December 31, 2025. For more information, visit www.pldthome.com. .

Just think—if you had an extra ₱1,000+ in your monthly budget, what would you do? Here are five awesome ways to enjoy that extra cash:

1. Upgrade Your On-the-Go Gadget Essentials

Always on the move, but your phone’s battery can’t keep up? That extra budget could go towards a high-capacity power bank, wireless charger, or travel-friendly charging hub. Whether you’re saving up or finally buying that must-have gadget, that extra P1,000 can go a long way for your next gadget upgrade.

2. Level Up Your Entertainment Experience

Free internet means unlimited streaming, but how about upgrading your setup? Use the extra cash for smart speakers to boost your audio or invest in accessories to enhance your smart TV. Into gaming? Spend your monthly savings on in-game currency, character upgrades, or even new titles you’ve been eyeing.

3. Invest in Your Passion Projects

Have a hobby you’ve been meaning to explore? Free up funds for online courses, art materials, a new musical instrument, or parts for building that dream PC. A little extra each month can help turn a side passion into a serious project.

4. Boost Your Savings or Investment Fund

It might not sound exciting, but it’s surely a smart move. Channel that internet bill money into your savings account or investment portfolio. Over time, that extra P1,000 a month can grow and be able to fund a big-ticket dream, like a vacation or a future goal.

5. Treat Yourself—You Deserve It!

Sometimes, a simple self-care goes a long way. Whether it’s a fancy dinner, a weekend getaway, an online shopping spree, or just more trips to your favorite café, that extra monthly cushion lets you enjoy the little luxuries that make life sweeter.

Good News: These Awesome Perks Could Be Yours

All these possibilities (and more!) could be within reach with PLDT Home’s One Mega Giveaway (OMG) Promo. Ten lucky winners will get free PLDT Home broadband for a whole year, while one grand winner will enjoy free broadband for life.

To join, simply apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1399 or higher plan and you’ll get an automatic raffle entry to the OMG promo.

Don't miss out—start living the OMG life now! Visit www.pldthome.com/omg2025.

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is now the Philippines’ leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers, as it serves over 430,000 customers nationwide as of the first quarter of 2025.

This translates to a significant 44% of the wireless broadband subscriber base share, outpacing its closest competitor’s 42% subscriber base share within the same period.

“This milestone achievement is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” said Anastacio R. Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer.

Connecting families in fiber-limited areas 

Smart’s market-leading performance comes on the heels of its strategic launch of the Smart Home WiFi brand to carry products and services that cater to Filipino families living in fiber-limited areas, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.

As part of its launch, Smart Home WiFi unveiled the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi. This prepaid and plug-and-play device offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to instantly set it up at home, in dorms, or small offices. It seamlessly connects up to 15 devices simultaneously, providing powerful internet access where fiber connectivity is unavailable.

Unlock the power of 5G

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart 5G, which enables customers to stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag.

Smart continues to strategically deploy its 5G infrastructure across the country as part of the PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated network, which is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience.

“The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just the beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs - powered by our world-class network,” said Martirez.

PH’s top balladeer Jed Madela and rising P-pop group Eleven11 are set to headline PLDT Home’s exclusive Fiber Fest 2025. This highly anticipated event is happening this Saturday, April 5, at Tanauan City in Batangas, offering a unique experience for all attendees.

Fiber Fest, the pioneering broadband festival by PLDT Home, is now in its second year. This year, it’s bigger, better, and more exciting, bringing the best broadband deals and exclusive digital experiences to Filipinos nationwide.

“I’m thrilled to be part of PLDT Home’s biggest Fiber Fest again. This year will be bigger and better, and we promise to make the experience memorable, rewarding, and exciting for everyone,” says Jed Madela.

“It’s exciting to celebrate all the great things that fiber connection brings to barangays and individual households,” he adds.

The all-female P-pop group Eleven11 also joined in the fun at this year’s Fiber Fest. Eleven11’s members Swaggy, Audrey, Barbie, CJ, Ivy, and Jade debuted recently and were part of the Fiber Fest’s kick-off at Pasig City last March.

The group was formed through a former noontime segment, “Tahanang Pinakamasaya”, and has been making rounds in the entertainment industry for two (2) years. The group’s name has a meaningful story from the lucky number 11:11 which was believed to be a magical time to “make a wish.” Fiber Fest goers will surely enjoy Eleven11’s charm and enchanting performances.

Fiber Fest also launched the first-ever Search for the next TikTok star to showcase the best local talents and connect them with wider online audiences in partnership with TikTok.

PLDT Home brings the best broadband deals and rewards available exclusively at Fiber Fest. Apply or upgrade to PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan 1599 and get unli entertainment and unli mobile calls. Also, existing Netflix subscribers save P249 per month when logging in using their current Netflix account. You’ll also enjoy same-day installation, free installation and activation fees worth P3,600, and a free Speedboost up to 300 Mbps for six (6) months. For subscribers who switch to PLDT Home Fiber plans from other brands, enjoy a 50% discount on monthly service fees for the first six (6) months. Now that’s a sweet deal!

PLDT Home Fiber Fest 2025 aims to provide communities nationwide with reliable fiber connectivity. By bringing world-class fiber technology and unforgettable experiences to local neighborhoods, the Fiber Fest enables families by making the internet more accessible so they can enjoy opportunities to work, learn, and entertain seamlessly at home.

Check out PLDT Home’s official pages for the full schedule of Fiber Fest 2025.

PLDT Home’s pioneering broadband festival is back for its second year—with bigger surprises in more areas nationwide. Fiber Fest widens its reach in 2025, bringing same-day fiber installations, ultra-fast broadband, and exclusive digital experiences to more communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Bringing Fiber Connectivity, One Barangay at a Time

With PLDT Home’s ever-expanding fiber network, more Filipino families can now enjoy next-level connectivity with Wi-Fi 6-ready plans supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Whether for remote work, streaming, gaming, or smart home setups, these high-speed fiber plans ensure seamless performance.

“Fiber Fest aims to make reliable internet more accessible to broader communities,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Acquisition Marketing. “By bringing PLDT Home’s broadband and digital services to more barangays across the country, we promote digital transformation, encourage community development, and create growth opportunities.”

Building on its success, Fiber Fest is expanding to even more barangays, accelerating the rollout of PLDT Home’s reliable fiber network—especially in underserved communities.

What to Expect at the Fiber Fest

Here’s what Fiber Fest-goers can look forward to:

· Exclusive Deals: Get the best broadband deals and rewards available exclusively at Fiber Fest. Enjoy free speedboost and save up to P3,600 waived installation and activation fees for new subscribers. Switching to PLDT Home Fiber plan? Then enjoy a 50% off monthly service fees for six months. Existing PLDT Home subscribers upgrading to Fiber Netflix Plan, Fiber Unli All, or Fiber Unli Plan also get free speedboost and exclusive rewards.

· Same-day Installation: Customers will enjoy same-day installation of their PLDT Home Fiber plan when they apply at the Fiber Fest.

· Exciting Rewards: Sign up for Home Rewards program and receive 120 free Rewards Crystals which can be redeemed for bill rebates, discounts, and exclusive treats.

· The Best Digital Offers, All in One Place: PLDT Home has partnered with Smart, Maya, mWell and Next Upgrade to bring exciting promos for the best digital experiences – mobile connectivity, seamless cashless payment, health and wellness services, and smart home solutions.

· Local talent and Interactive Entertainment: Experience an action-packed day of games and entertainment, featuring Netflix-inspired activities and the Barangay Olympics. PLDT Home has also partnered with TikTok to showcase the best local talents and connect them with wider online audiences with the country’s first-ever TikTok Star Search at the Fiber Fest.

· Live Celebrity Performances: Enjoy electrifying performances from Eleven11, and special guest appearances from PLDT High Speed Hitters.

First Stop: Pasig City

Kicking off in Pasig, Pasigueños enjoyed activities and surprises from PLDT Home. Celebrities and guest performers including Dylan Menor, Eleven11, and PLDT High Speed Hitters including Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Jessey de Leon, and Rachel Austero also joined in the fun.

Catch the next runs of Fiber Fest in Batangas, Bulacan, Pasay, Cavite, and more! The full schedule of Barangay Fiber Fest locations and events will be announced soon on PLDT Home’s official pages.

Stay tuned and be part of the country’s biggest fiber festival.

During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, (From Left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines,led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigitalPilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.  

Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

  Women in business

When people think of “women in business,” they immediately think of women executives working for big companies in finance or retail rather than the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who are often the driving forces behind local economies.  

  Women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

(From left) Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

The pandemic revealed the untapped potential of these women through Madiskarte Moms PH. And four years after its inception, this online community of almost 200,000 mompreneurs continues to promote digital upskilling, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and expand access to community support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses. 

PLDT Home, which supported the online community of moms from its founding, helped these small businesses not just to survive but to flourish during their most challenging times.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios highlights the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs in the Madiskarte Moms PH community, emphasizing how PLDT Home supports their small business growth.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH Melissa Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.”

Vergel de Dios relates the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition and awards for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had—P3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, but it was also unfortunately stolen or lost. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made P7,000. This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes together and sell them. From that P7,000, her income is now seven figures.”

PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity for women in business and in tech goes hand in hand with the continuous expansion of its fiber network across the country and support for programs on internet education for the whole family. 

“We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,” Vergel de Dios added.

  Breaking gender stereotypes

Breaking conventional gender roles and mindsets has also allowed the government to map out an inclusivity plan for women. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy said the Philippine Development Plan or “the nation’s blueprint” includes strategies to mainstream gender equality in government. 

  Moderator and Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised a valid point on women who work from home still bearing increased domestic responsibilities. “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?”

Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys said, “We need to take away the mindset that home care is only for women. Unpaid home care is not allowing women in that kind of working model to really succeed. And so participation of the husband in those conversations needs to be more active and the women need to be more forthcoming—it cannot be assumed that it’s understood.”

Will AI take away jobs?

As AI becomes more intelligent—by learning from humans! — the inevitable question for every employee is: will my employer replace me with a computer program?

Not likely, according to Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. “When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. Because the goal of digital transformation is to make sure that you deliver efficiencies as well as ensure that your business is competitive.”

That future may not always be in the office, according to Vergel de Dios. “Sometimes success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream. It also starts with education so that at a young stage the stereotypes are broken at the formation stage.”

PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), is upgrading the 5G experience for ordinary Filipinos through its value mobile brand, TNT, with the launch of 5G Max—a boosted network experience that delivers faster speeds and more reliable connectivity for subscribers.

A big step toward TNT’s thrust to bring the many benefits of 5G technology to the masses, the TNT 5G Max experience is initially available at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and its surrounding areas - a bustling area of people from all walks of life, including office workers, college students, entrepreneurs, and tourists, among others.

Powered by TNT 5G Max, subscribers can experience seamless connectivity as they go about their daily online activities like upload and download heavy files instantly, staying active on their productivity apps, streaming their favorite shows in ultra-high definition without interruption,and play high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

“Ramdam ko talaga ang bilis ng TNT sa Taguig kasi di ako nag-la-lag sa app. Mahalaga ito sa trabaho ko bilang rider para tuluy-tuloy ang biyahe," said Aaron Blanquera, 39, a ride-hailing app driver who has been a TNT user for two years now.

"Mahilig talaga ako mag-FB at TikTok tuwing break, at napansin ko na mas mabilis nang mag-load ang videos sa phone ko," said Krissian Levi Sindico, 28, who works in a BPO company in Taguig and has been a TNT user for five years.

“TNT 5G Max strengthens our mission of bringing ‘saya’ to the masses powered by the latest innovations. We look forward to rolling this out to more areas across the country so more Filipinos can benefit from our superior 5G experience. It will be simply amazing,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, TNT Group Head.

TNT 5G Panalo Phone for only P3,990

To make the 5G Max experience even more accessible, TNT unveiled the new TNT 5G Panalo Phone, the most affordable 5G smartphone in the Philippines for only Php3,990.

Now available at accredited retailers nationwide, the TNT 5G Panalo Phone is compatible with 5G to provide users with faster speeds, more reliable connectivity, and better quality of service.

Built for everyday use, the TNT 5G Panalo Phone runs on Android 14 and is powered by an Octa-Core processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable up to 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking for work, school, and entertainment. It also has a 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera for taking sharp photos and clear video calls.

The TNT 5G Panalo Phone is perfect for Filipinos from all walks of life to enjoy a faster, smoother, and reliable mobile experience at a very affordable price. Young professionals, call center agents, riders, and college students can rely on it to stay productive and entertained - from streaming high-resolution movies and series on the go, navigating online maps in real time, or attending online classes and virtual meetings.

Best Paired with Saya All 99 and Unli 5G 75

Subscribers who plan to purchase the TNT 5G Panalo Phone can unlock its full potential by topping up with TNT’s Saya All 99 or Unli 5G 75 promos.

With TNT Saya All 99, users get 6GB of open access data, unlimited access to Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, as well as unlimited calls and texts to all networks, all valid for 7 days.

Subscribers can also rely on TNT Unli 5G 75, which offers unlimited 5G data for 1 day.

TNT is powered by Smart’s award-winning mobile network.To learn more about TNT’s affordable offers, follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok..