PLDT and Smart are rolling out three cell sites in Cebu, Bukidnon, and Cotabato to bring connectivity in underserved communities closer to residents of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). The companies are carrying out the initiative with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), local government units (LGUs), and community partners.
The rollout covers Barangay Cansuje in Argao, Cebu; Barangay Cacaon in Talakag, Bukidnon; and Barangay Lampayan in Matalam, Cotabato. Ceremonial switch-on activities took place on October 12, October 26, and October 28, 2026, respectively.
According to PLDT and Smart, the initiative is intended to improve access to mobile communication and digital services in areas far from major urban centers. The companies said connectivity in underserved communities can support education, economic participation, community development, access to government services, and online opportunities.
“Connectivity can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially in communities where access has long been a challenge. For a student, it can mean more opportunities to learn. For a family, it means staying connected. And for local communities, it opens doors to essential services and new opportunities. By working closely with DICT, local governments, and our community partners, we want to help bring these possibilities within reach of more Filipinos,” said Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart.
Programs tied to the rollout
The initiative also includes programs intended to help residents make practical use of connectivity in underserved communities. One of these is the Bayanihan SIM Distribution Program, a collaboration between PLDT-Smart and DICT that supports the Bayanihan SIM initiative of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) and DICT.
Through the program, residents, students, and other community stakeholders can gain access to digital platforms, government services, and online opportunities, according to the companies.
Education support is another part of the initiative. The Smart School-in-a-Bag Program provides underserved schools with technology-enabled learning tools and digital resources. School-in-a-Bag donations are included in planned launch activities at Cansuje Elementary School in Cebu, Cacaon Elementary School in Bukidnon, and Lampayan Elementary School in Cotabato.
The companies said pairing mobile connectivity with educational resources is intended to create more opportunities for students and teachers in communities where access to digital learning tools can be limited.
“Bridging the digital divide means ensuring that Filipinos, wherever they live, have the opportunity to benefit from technology. Through initiatives such as Bayanihan SIM and our collaboration with PLDT, Smart, and local government units, we are working to make digital services more accessible to unserved and underserved communities. Our goal is to help residents, students, and families use connectivity in meaningful ways, whether for education, access to government services, or opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” said Engr. Pinky T. Jimenez, Assistant Secretary for Infostructure Management of DICT.
For PLDT Enterprise, the rollout forms part of its work with government institutions and public-sector partners on digital transformation through connectivity and ICT solutions. PLDT Enterprise said the collaboration in Cebu, Bukidnon, and Cotabato demonstrates how coordinated efforts can extend technology access to communities that stand to gain from improved digital access.
