PLDT, Smart team up with Ilocos Norte towns for Smart WiFi

PLDT, through its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise, and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have made connectivity more widely accessible to Filipinos in Ilocos Norte through the recently launched Smart WiFi in three of the region’s municipalities.

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Fast, reliable, and fiber-powered Smart WiFi will be rolled out in the municipal halls of Vintar, Bacarra, and Piddig, enabling their citizens to go online as more transactions have gone digital and further enhancing the capability of the LGUs to swiftly and efficiently deliver government services.

“I am so happy to have finally inaugurated our free wifi project in the Municipal Hall of Piddig, Bacarra, and Vintar, thanks to the support of PLDT and Smart. I cannot wait to implement this more throughout our district, and I am hoping to do the same for our barangay halls as well,” said Rep. Ria Christina Fariñas, who attended the ceremonial turnovers in Vintar and Piddig. “Agtultuloy nga Rang-ay Iti Amin [That progress remains continuous for all].”

Joining Rep. Fariñas in Vintar was Mayor Larisa Foronda, while Association of Barangay Captains President Philip Mandac accompanied her in Piddig. Meanwhile, Councilor Bryan Ramos and Ilocos Norte 1st District Board Member Rodolfo Christian Fariñas joined the launch in Bacarra.  

Attending all three ceremonies on behalf of PLDT and Smart were DH Duran, PLDT Enterprise Relationship Management Executive of CRB North Luzon; Rhona Eli Medina, Smart Area Development Manager of North Luzon; Charles Mamaclay, Smart Consumer Development Manager for Ilocos Norte; and Ma. Aaliyah Suguitan, Smart Store Manager in Laoag.

The deployment of Smart WiFi in LGUs, educational institutions, health centers, public markets, and tourist attractions, is pursuant to RA 10929 or the ‘Free Internet Access in Public Places Act’, which recognizes the vital role of Internet connectivity to nation-building.  

At present, Smart is committed to expanding its nationwide fiber coverage and enhancing its network facilities, delivering the best user experience at a time when connectivity is deemed a necessity.  

PLDT and Smart’s push to provide connectivity for all is aligned with the group’s long-standing commitment to help the Philippines attain the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.