‘Bayani SA Last Mile’: PLDT and Smart Feted for Championing Digital Transformation

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have been bestowed the ‘Bayani sa Last Mile’ award by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for their role in advancing digital transformation across the country.

Conferred at the Digital Bayanihan Awards held in Quezon City at the culmination of National ICT Month 2026, the citation highlights PLDT and Smart’s role in accelerating digital transformation, expanding inclusive connectivity, and supporting countryside development across the Philippines.

The award is part of the DICT’s celebration of its 10th anniversary this year and acknowledges longstanding partners that have contributed to the development and success of the Department’s key programs and initiatives over the last decade.

“We are deeply honored to have received this award from the DICT, which is a testament to what we can do together, hand-in-hand as steady partners in advancing the country’s digital agenda, enabling opportunities in education, livelihood and innovation,” said Menardo G. Jimenez Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Network Head.

“We look forward to continuing our shared mission to continue connecting and empower more Filipinos, including those in underserved communities, as we keep marching toward a digitally empowered Philippines where no one is left offline,” he added.

Over the years, PLDT and Smart have worked alongside the DICT in helping bridge the digital divide through network expansion, connectivity initiatives, and digital enablement programs that bring reliable communications services to more Filipinos, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Recently, PLDT and Smart fired up a new site in San Vicente, Palawan, as part of their continued efforts to bring reliable internet access closer to more Filipinos in last-mile communities and boost government initiatives like the Bayanihan SIM, which provides free SIMs with mobile data to Filipinos in GIDAs and underserved communities.

At San Vicente’s Old Caruray Elementary School, DICT and Smart 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.

Smart also recently activated 11 new sites in Bohol, boosting the basket-weaving industry of Antequera and the key fisheries hub of Maribojoc, enhancing ecotourism opportunities for local communities, and preserving craftsmanship and traditional cultural identity.

The ‘Bayani sa Last Mile’ award reinforces PLDT and Smart’s thrust to bridge the digital divide through sustained investments in network expansion and enhancement to empower more communities, including those in remote and underserved areas, to participate fully in an increasingly connected society.

Enchanted Kingdom Unveils a Month Filled With Magic for Eldar the Wizard’s Birthday

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, is set to make the entire month magical as it announces the spectacular lineup of enchanting gifts from its iconic Storyverse character, Eldar the Wizard, in celebration of his birthday this July.

Kicking off its Love Saribuhay campaign this quarter, EK is showering guests with magical treats both inside and outside the Park as it counts down to Eldar’s Birthday Bash on July 25 at the Spaceport Grounds. The highly anticipated celebration, which coincides with the soft opening of the Park over 30 years ago, will feature enchanting parades, shows, games, appearances, giveaways, and other surprises perfect for guests of all ages.

Eldar the Wizard has been the heart of EK’s vibrant Storyverse and has brought magic, wisdom, and inspiration to generations of Filipinos for the past three decades. He embodies EK’s core values and inspires everyone to embrace love of God, respect, loyalty, integrity, and innovation.

Ahead of his grand birthday celebration, the beloved wizard is currently extending the magic and fun of the festivities beyond the park through Eldar’s Birthday Bash Community Outreach Program. As part of this initiative, Eldar heads to selected foundations and orphanages in Laguna to share enchanting treats, special performances, and memorable experiences with the beneficiaries.

EK will launch its newest seasonal show featuring all of the Storyverse characters in a surprise dance party, as they give back to Eldar the magic and joy he has shared with the kingdom and the Filipino people over the years.

Guests can also savor his special food selections, including the family feast bundle of Eldar’s Meal, exclusively offered at Amazon Grill and LaunchTime restaurants. Alternatively, everyone can try the meal’s chicken inasal, which is available for solo orders at Snaptooth Snack Station, Parkside, and Diggers Treat. Tropical Coolers’ standout drink, Eldar’s Purple Brew, will also remain available as a refreshing grab-and-go treat to enjoy while exploring the Park.

EK has also introduced its latest addition to its lineup of Eldar merchandise, adding everyday items such as pillows, purses, and bags in a variety of kinds and styles.

Meanwhile, the photo outlet in Rialto 4D and Eldar’s Photo Hub in Victoria Park have rolled out their new Face Recognition feature, allowing parkgoers to easily access all their photos in one place.

In-park tenant partners are also taking part in the festivities, with Dairy Queen becoming the first to announce its offerings, including the exclusive in-park Eldar’s Hat Dilly Bar and the Purple Yam Blizzard as the Blizzard of the Month.

As the ultimate gift for Eldar’s big day, EK is bringing back its regular park hours of 11AM to 8PM every Friday to Sunday until August 30, before shifting to Thursdays to Sundays starting September 1.

Everyone can grab the chance to visit the Park from July 24 to 26 through Eldar’s Birthday Bundle, which includes one (1) Regular Day Pass, a mixture of free treats from various in-park retail and food outlets, and participation in seasonal in-park activities, all for Php 1,400 only. Plus, it offers reserved seating for Eldar’s Birthday Bash, exclusively for guests visiting on July 25. Promo is available for walk-in purchase or through the EK Online Store until July 26 only.

For more information and updates on Eldar’s Birthday Bash and EK’s other events and offerings, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

LG Philippines Launches WashTower™ Promo with a Chance to Win a Trip to Korea

LG Philippines is giving Filipino consumers an exciting reason to upgrade their laundry experience with the launch of its “Experience Korea with LG WashTower™” raffle promotion. The campaign offers customers the opportunity to win round-trip flights to Seoul, South Korea, along with premium LG home appliance prizes, making every eligible purchase even more rewarding.

The promotion celebrates the remarkable global success of the LG WashTower™, which has now surpassed 3.2 million units sold worldwide. This milestone reflects the growing trust of consumers across different countries who continue to choose LG for innovative, reliable, and efficient home appliances. The achievement also reinforces LG's commitment to delivering advanced technology designed to simplify everyday living.

The LG WashTower™ has become one of the company's most popular premium laundry solutions thanks to its innovative all-in-one design. Combining a washer and dryer into a single, space-saving unit, the appliance offers both convenience and performance while maximizing available space in modern homes. Its sleek design, intelligent features, and energy-efficient operation have made it an attractive choice for homeowners looking for a smarter laundry solution.

Beyond promoting its latest home appliance technology, LG aims to bring Filipino consumers closer to the Korean innovation and lifestyle that have shaped the company's products for decades. Through the raffle promotion, lucky winners will have the opportunity to travel to Seoul, where they can experience firsthand the culture, technology, and modern lifestyle that continue to inspire LG's product development.

The grand prize offers an unforgettable journey to one of Asia's leading technology hubs, allowing winners to explore South Korea while gaining a deeper appreciation of the innovation behind LG's globally recognized appliances. In addition to the travel experience, participants also have the chance to win premium LG home appliance prizes, providing even more value for customers who join the promotion.

The "Experience Korea with LG WashTower™" raffle runs from June 15 to August 31, 2026, and is available through participating LG authorized dealers nationwide. Consumers who are planning to upgrade their laundry appliances during the promotional period can enjoy the added excitement of potentially winning incredible prizes while investing in one of LG's most trusted home solutions.

With this campaign, LG Philippines continues to combine cutting-edge technology with memorable customer experiences, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in innovative home appliances. As the popularity of the LG WashTower™ continues to grow around the world, Filipino consumers now have the opportunity to enjoy its premium features while also getting the chance to experience the heart of Korean innovation firsthand.

PLDT Completes Permits With Tagbanua ICCs for Submarine Cable Project

PLDT has finished signing Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with the Tagbanua Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) of Palawan and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for the Palawan Resiliency Submarine Cable Project.

The latest signing with the Tagbanua Tandulanen Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) in Sibaltan, El Nido reinforces their shared commitment to recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights through continued adherence to cultural, social, and environmental safeguards while implementing and completing the network project, completes the series of MOA signing ceremonies with members of the Tagbanua Central ICC in Napsan, Puerto Princesa, and the Tagbanua Calamian ICC in Busuanga earlier this year.

“We wish to convey our sincere appreciation to our Tagbanua brothers and sisters, as well as the NCIP, for working with us in this initiative. As we continue to endeavor to finish this project without doing harm to the environment, trust that we do not take our role lightly as responsible co-stewards of our natural resources,” said Arvin L. Siena, PLDT Vice President for Network Design and Engineering, who attended all three signing ceremonies in Puerto Princesa, Busuanga and El Nido.

The critical PLDT submarine cable project is designed to keep the province and its communities connected via additional submarine cable routes.

“This project is important not only to the barangay, but to the province of Palawan and the country as a whole,” Siena explained. “The cables that we are laying here connect Palawan to the rest of the Philippines and the world. They enable families to keep in touch, whether via calls or Facebook Messenger, help students access resources for online learning, and empower businesses to participate in online marketplaces, for example,” he added.

During the signing ceremonies in El Nido, community leaders expressed their gratitude and hope. “We thank NCIP and PLDT for giving importance to us and our community. Our partnership is important to us, too, and we look forward to working closely with you in the years to come,” said Kamaulangan Nelson Biennes, Tribal Affairs Assistant 1.

PLDT Group’s continued efforts to expand and enhance its network infrastructure across the country are aligned with the Group’s goal to level up customer experience while supporting the government’s overall digitalization thrust. This also contributes to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Affordable HMO Now Accessible to Millions of Filipinos via GCash and KwikCare

To help Filipinos stay protected from unforeseen medical costs and access affordable, quality healthcare, GCash and KwikCare are partnering to offer the first health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage directly available from the GCash app.

For millions of Filipinos, quality healthcare remains a luxury out of reach, leaving families highly vulnerable to unexpected medical crises. Recent data highlights a stark reality: 64% of Filipino families cannot afford a ₱10,000 hospital bill without falling into debt¹, while 30% of households live on the brink of financial distress with sudden health shocks acting as a major driver of this vulnerability². This challenge is most especially felt among MSME workers, gig economy freelancers, and part-time earners who lack traditional corporate HMO benefits, leaving them just “one sickness away from poverty.”

To break this cycle, democratizing healthcare is critical. By making health coverage proactive, affordable, and accessible at the grassroots level, Filipino breadwinners can protect both their health and their hard-earned financial stability.

GCash, through its in-app insurance platform GInsure, has partnered with KwikCare to offer digital-first HMO coverage through a flexible monthly subscription. The offering does not require high

upfront costs, long-term commitments, or complicated paperwork. Users can sign up in minutes, making healthcare coverage easily accessible.

Through GInsure, KwikCare offers monthly HMO plans designed to make healthcare coverage more adaptable to different needs and circumstances. Starting at ₱995 per month, the service provides access to inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and laboratory services, along with cashless access to more than 2,000 accredited healthcare providers nationwide, and benefits of up to ₱350,000, with additional personal accident coverage of up to ₱1 million. Moreover, the offering also allows users to add their family members.

“Filipinos deserve the peace of mind that comes with reliable health coverage. When breadwinners and their families can better access essential health services as well as manage unexpected medical emergencies without worrying about the costs, we're protecting not just their health, but their financial future,” shared Winsley Bangit, group head of new business at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.

“Our mission has always been to make quality healthcare more accessible to every Filipino. Through our partnership with GCash, we're bringing reliable HMO coverage closer to millions by making it available through a platform they already use every day,” emphasized Hamilton Angluben, chief executive officer of KwikCare. “We believe digital distribution is one of the most powerful ways to expand healthcare access and help more families protect both their health and their financial future.”

To get an affordable HMO on GCash, open the app, head to “GInsure” and tap “HMO” in the Marketplace section.

As more Filipinos turn to digital platforms to manage their everyday finances, GCash and KwikCare are making health protection just as accessible. Through GInsure, the partnership empowers Filipinos to conveniently manage their health coverage, protect their savings from unforeseen medical costs, and navigate their healthcare needs with greater confidence. For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.