PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications are accelerating roll‑out of the government‑backed Bayanihan SIM program through expanded network coverage and on‑the‑ground activation efforts, strengthening the group’s role as a key private‑sector partner for national digital inclusion. The Bayanihan SIM initiative gives underserved communities access to basic mobile connectivity, with PLDT‑Smart leveraging its extensive fixed‑fiber and mobile network infrastructure to bring the program to more remote locations.
Smart has recently activated new cell sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas including Argao in Cebu, Matalam in Cotabato, Talakag in Bukidnon, Silago in Southern Leyte, and San Vicente in Palawan. These improved signal areas support local schools, farmers, small businesses, and help local governments deliver public services more reliably. While permanent towers are being built, the firm is also deploying temporary femtocell and satellite links to get Bayanihan SIM users connected sooner.
To date, Smart has distributed over 422,000 Bayanihan SIM cards across 152 underserved and unserved sites nationwide. Beyond building network capacity, the company is running community campaigns to help beneficiaries register and use their SIMs, including on‑site assistance and device raffle promotions meant to boost active usage. PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Network Head Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. noted that connectivity delivers real value only when people are able to use it fully, adding that the group aims to help Filipinos take advantage of available digital opportunities.
For consumers in remote and marginalized areas, the program means better access to online learning resources, market information for farmers, digital communications, and government services. For PLDT‑Smart, the expanded Bayanihan SIM work forms part of its ongoing network modernization and broader corporate commitment to inclusive digital growth across the Philippines.
