Tag: pldt

Manila, Philippines – PLDT and ABS-CBN have jointly announced that it will cancel the proposed acquisition of Sky Cable, a cable television service provider owned by ABS-CBN. The announcement was made via Sky Cable’s official media channels.

Both parties have not mentioned the reason for this cancellation. MARKETECH APAC checked both stock disclosures of PLDT and ABS-CBN for further information, but no other details of the reason for the acquisition cancellation have been disclosed as of this writing.

With this, Sky Cable will continue its broadcasting operations beyond February 26, the supposed final broadcast date for the cable TV service provider. Its broadband operations remain unaffected as well.

“We thank all our SKY subscribers for their continued patronage and support. We remain committed to providing the same level of customer experience and service for both our cable and internet services,” the company said.

It is worth noting that both the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have already approved the acquisition deal earlier this year.

Details about the merger first came into light when ABS-CBN, the parent company of Sky Cable, signed an agreement with PLDT back in March 2023 to sell off fully the business to PLDT. It is also worth noting that Cignal, the media firm under PLDT’s MediaQuest affiliate, had already a 34.99% stake in Sky Cable, which materialised back in 2022.

Manila, Philippines – Cable television service Sky Cable is set to make its final broadcast on February 26 following the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to PLDT to acquire Sky Cable.

In a text advisory sent out to its users, Sky Cable said that it will officially discontinue its cable TV business following its last broadcast day and in anticipation of the PLDT acquisition. Said advisory is also reflected in its official website.

“In anticipation of and pursuant to the closing conditions of the PLDT-SKY acquisition deal, SKY will now begin its transition into a dedicated internet service provider. With this deal, SKY will discontinue its cable TV operations effective February 27, 2024. The final broadcast and sign-off of SKYcable will be on February 26, 2024 at 11:59pm,” the company stated.

It is worth noting, however, that SKY Fiber will still continue operations, with the company promising that subscribers will be provided with the same level of service and customer experience.

“Thank you for your years of support and for making SKYcable a part of your home,” the company concluded.

Recent stock filings by ABS-CBN, the parent company of Sky Cable, and PLDT that the Philippine Competition Commission has already approved the acquisition, and is now subject to closing conditions and final approval through a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) by March 16.

Last week, PLDT clarified news about the acquisition following media reports suggesting that the Sky Cable acquisition had already been closed by both parties.

“Once the approval of the PCC is obtained, the sellers will continue to work on the other closing conditions which include, among others, the termination or cessation of Sky’s pay TV and cable businesses, obtaining all other applicable government approvals and clearances, and obtaining all required consents and corporate actions,” it previously said.

Details about the merger first came into light when ABS-CBN, the parent company of Sky Cable, signed an agreement with PLDT back in March 2023 to sell off fully the business to PLDT. It is also worth noting that Cignal, the media firm under PLDT’s MediaQuest affiliate, had already a 34.99% stake in Sky Cable, which materialised back in 2022.

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) company has clarified that its proposed acquisition of the broadband business of Sky Cable has yet to be approved by the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

This comes after multiple media reports stated that the PCC has approved PLDT’s acquisition of Sky Cable for PHP6.75b.

In a recent stock filing by PLDT, the company clarified that PCC has yet to conclude its review process of the proposed merger.

“Once the approval of the PCC is obtained, the sellers will continue to work on the other closing conditions which include, among others, the termination or cessation of Sky’s pay TV and cable businesses, obtaining all other applicable government approvals and clearances, and obtaining all required consents and corporate actions,” PLDT said.

Moreover, the company said that obtaining the closing conditions for the acquisition is necessary for the implementation of the proposed transaction.

Details about the merger first came into light when ABS-CBN, the parent company of Sky Cable, signed an agreement with PLDT back in March 2023 to sell off fully the business to PLDT.

“The proceeds from the sale of the shares of ABS-CBN and the settlement of Sky Vision’s obligations to ABS-CBN will be used by ABS-CBN to settle and fund its retirement obligations. The sale of the company’s ownership in Sky will also allow ABS-CBN to focus its resources on content creation,” ABS-CBN back then.

It is also worth noting that Cignal, the media firm under PLDT’s MediaQuest affiliate, had already a 34.99% stake in Sky Cable, which materialised back in 2022.

Manila, Philippines – Local telecommunications company PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications recently partnered with the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) to roll out a digital upskilling learning session for Filipino cooperatives (coops), MSMEs, and local entrepreneurs.

Under their digital upskilling-to-e-commerce program dubbed ‘eBiznovation’, PLDT, Smart, and PPSA provide local entrepreneurs, including those in the agriculture and fishery sector, with the right digital tools to help them grow their businesses online.

During the session, participating coops and MSMEs learned about effective strategies for boosting online presence, creating engaging content, and capturing an online market and turning them into loyal customers using basic social media platforms.

Apart from digital upskilling, PLDT and Smart also offer fundamental cybersecurity learning sessions for coops and MSMEs to ensure a safe and secure online business environment for all.

As part of these efforts, the group also recently supported the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and conducted a learning session among Laguna-based MSMEs on how to protect themselves and their businesses against fraud both offline and online.

Talking about these initiatives, Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder management team at PLDT and Smart, said, “In this rapidly evolving digital world, learning the fundamentals of digital marketing unlocks plenty of livelihood opportunities. Through eBiznovation, we aim to assist small-and medium-scale local enterprises in navigating the digital space efficiently and safely, and eventually help them boost their income.”

Meanwhile, Ma. Angela Primitiva Bautista, country director of PPSA, commented, “PPSA collaborates with a network of different stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to attain inclusive and sustainable agriculture in the Philippines. Through this particular initiative with PLDT and Smart, we aim to accelerate the adoption of digital innovations and ICT solutions and interventions across the agri-fisheries sector.”

Manila, Philippines – In pursuit of growing their businesses online, internet and digital service providers PLDT and Smart have announced the expansion of their digital upskilling to e-commerce program. 

Called eBiznovation initiative, the program supports the businesses of local entrepreneurs, cooperatives and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country to advance the digitalization of their market and motivate prospective partners to expand their reach. 

In this innovation, the two have leveraged the use of Tiktok shop in connecting them online. This collaboration then enabled further partnerships in local bazaars allowing direct access to revenue opportunities simply by engaging them with the digital shop. 

Talking about the expansion project, Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart, said, “At PLDT and Smart, we believe that collaboration is key to advancing the goals of eBiznovation and achieving them more efficiently.”

“By working with like-minded partners from various industries, we are able to boost our efforts to digitally upskill and assist local enterprises, helping them to increase productivity and income through digital technology,” she added. 

Apart from this, leaders and experts from the technology industry also express their insights following the essential role of small-to medium-scale local enterprises and their contribution towards the country’s economic growth at the recent Philippine Digital Convention 2023.

Euan Rex Toralballa, customer relationship management head at Luzon’s PLDT Enterprise also said “Our clients and partners have so far done an amazing job in driving the evolving digital landscape of the MSMEs. During this gathering at Digicon, PLDT Enterprise recognizes and celebrates MSMEs as the life force of our country.” 

On the other hand, Toff Rada, head of public policy at TikTok Philippines said, “TikTok Shop connects Filipino MSMEs with the wider TikTok community, allowing them to reach a broader market and expand from offline to online.”

“Through PLDT and Smart’s eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar on TikTok Shop and in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, we have enabled Filipino farmers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to gain direct access to consumers and expand their revenue opportunities by onboarding them onto TikTok Shop. We are committed to building the digital capacity of Filipino MSMEs and enabling them to grow and expand their business,” he ended.

Manila, Philippines – Local telecommunications company PLDT and banking brand BDO are leading the most valuable brand’s list in the Philippines, according to the latest ranking from brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.

According to the list, PLDT is the most valuable brand in the Philippines in the rankings this year, powered by a 2% increase in brand value to US$2.6b. PLDT’s brand performance contributed to the brand capturing a higher market share of the fiber industry, which led to a 45% improvement in year on-year revenue.

Meanwhile, BDO led the charge as the most valuable banking brand (brand value up 49% to US$2.2b), followed by Bank of the Philippine Islands (brand value up 8% to US$1.3b) and Metrobank (brand value up by 4% to US$1.1b). 

The banking sector also saw five new entrants make our rankings this year – Union Bank of the Philippines (brand value at US$557.28b), Security Bank (brand value at US$331.44m), Chinabank (brand value at US$278.29m), RCBC (brand value at US$246.02m) and Philippine National Bank (brand value at US$234.69m).

Other leading brands include telco Globe (US$2.0b brand value), fast food chain Jollibee (US$1.6b brand value), electric provider Meralco (US$0.9b brand value), gas corporation Petron (US$0.7b brand value), and retail chain Puregold (US$0.6b brand value).

Meanwhile, Jollibee is the fastest-growing brand in the rankings, recording a rise in brand value by 53% to US$1.6 billion. It leaped three positions to 4th place while retaining a corresponding brand strength rating of AA-. Consequently, its financial performance improved, coupled with greater consumer spending after the pandemic.

Alex Haigh, managing director for Asia-Pacific of Brand Finance, said, “This year, we would like to congratulate PLDT, Globe Telecom and Jollibee for topping Brand Finance’s Top 20 Philippines brands rankings as our most valuable, strongest and fastest growing brand respectively. We also see success in the nation’s banking sector, as banking brands’ investments to digitalise and improve customer experience have resulted in brand value growth across all brands in the sector.”

Manila, Philippines – Local telecommunication holdings giant PLDT has announced that several of its key executives either resign or retire from the company, according to its recent stock filings at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

Wilson Bobier, the company’s vice president for network build, program resource and integration management has voluntarily resigned from his position effective April 16. Mary Rose Dela Paz, the senior vice president and chief procurement officer has also voluntarily resigned from her position, effective April 14.

Meanwhile, Mario Tamayo, senior vice president and network head; and Anabelle Chua, senior vice president, chief financial officer and chief risk management officer; have both opted out for an early retirement from the company, effective April 14 and 16 respectively.

Lastly, Alexander Kibanoff, vice president of learning and development, has opted for the availment of the company’s manpower reduction program.

According to the stock filings, there are no immediate successors to those who have vacated their positions. No reasons were also laid out for the recent executive exits.

PLDT came under fire in 2022 after it reported that the company has overspent PHP48b from 2019 to 2022 in capital spending, without the scrutiny from both internal and external audit teams. The company reasoned out that all of these overspending was justified to improve their services to the customers.

The company has since then reported in March this year that the budget overrun has been reduced to PHP33b following its settlement deals with major vendors.

Manila, Philippines — The Philippines’ fully integrated telco company, PLDT, and its mobile unit Smart Communications continue to champion gender equality in the workplace. In a recent campaign, the group showcased how women thrive, amid rapid technological changes in the telecommunications industry.

Now in its second year, the group’s “Yes, She Can” campaign highlighted the important role of women in the workplace, through digital activities and webisodes featuring female employees of various roles and persona.

Gina P. Ordonez, chief people officer of PLDT and Smart, shared, “We celebrate women and the many hats they wear everyday—as hardworking people in the organization, mothers, wives, daughters and talented individuals.”

Ordonez added, “We will continue to provide female employees with opportunities to pursue their passion and purpose, and to achieve success in the organization.“

As an equal opportunity employer, gender equality is high on the agenda of the group’s Environment, Social and Governance initiatives. This is evident in its leadership team, where 58% of direct reports to the CEO, 40% of executives, and 23% of board members are women.

PLDT and Smart’s commitment to gender equality may also be seen in the partnerships that the group has built throughout the years. Via a collaboration with the Philippine Eagle Foundation, PLDT has helped bridge the digital divide in upland communities of Arakan, North Cotabato, by equipping women with technological tools and skills. In partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, the group also works with Solidarity with Orphans and Widows, a community in Payatas Quezon City, for livelihood opportunities.

Additionally, in 2021, PLDT and Smart became the first Philippine telcos that signed up as members of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, in an effort to achieve large-scale organizational transformation through evidence-based strategies and best practices in the workplace.

Melissa V. Vergel de Dios, chief sustainability officer of PLDT, said, “At PLDT and Smart, women are taking their rightful place at the table, proving that in our organization, one’s worth is not defined by gender, but by capability. This is a source of encouragement and inspiration for us all—in the workplace, and in the communities we serve.”

Philippines — PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has struck an agreement with South Korea’s T1, one of the pioneering esports organizations in the world. Through the partnership, Smart will provide facilities that will assist T1’s expansion in the Philippines.

As part of its goal to boost the esports industry in the country, Smart will house the online MOBA game DOTA 2 Team of T1 and power its connectivity during their boot camp and tournaments. Three Filipino esports athletes are also part of T1’s roster: Carlo ‘Kuku’ Palad, Khim ‘Gabbi’ Villafuerte, and Karl Jayme.

Jude H. Turcuato, first vice president and head of sports at PLDT and Smart, said that they are more than delighted to help their former coach Kuku and welcome T1 to the Philippines. Turcuato added that this is part of Smart’s advocacy to help develop esports in the Philippines and empower Filipino esports athletes as they make their mark in the global arena.

“We just want to take this opportunity to thank Smart and Smart Omega for helping us with our boot camp. They have also helped us get professional IT support on standby, especially during official matches. The facilities are good, and the place is safe as well,” Palad said.

Smart Omega is the professional esports team backed by Smart.

T1, along with eight other squads in the region, is set to play in the Southeast Asia Dota Pro Circuit Division I this month. T1 won first place in the Dota Pro Circuit 2021 Season 2 – SEA Upper Division and ESL One Summer 2021; second place for DPC SEA 2021-2022 Tour 1 Regional Finals, and landing in the top 7-8 of The International 10 in 2021. Founded in 2003, T1 is also known for their three-time world championship title for League of Legends.

Philippines – PLDT, one of the largest telcos in the country, alongside its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, have announced its partnership with global customer experience and employee platform Medallia.

Through the CX implementation Medallia will be supported by global media company Kantar in implementing the technology solution across PLDT and Smart. Medallia and Kantar joined the PLDT team for a digital signing ceremony to officially seal the deal. Furthermore, with support from Medallia and Kantar, PLDT and Smart aims to optimise customer experience management across all channels, including digital platforms, mobile phone applications, and contact centres. 

Alfredo S. Panlilio, president and CEO of PLDT and Smart, said, “A large part of our commitment to provide world-class connectivity for all Filipinos is to empower our people and processes with technology that allows them to render the best customer experience.”

He added, “Our engagement with Medallia and Kantar gives us this technology, and empowers us to listen and respond to our customers more effectively, as they are our North Star for all group-wide efforts,.”

Meanwhile, Leslie Stretch, president and CEO of Medallia, commented, “To thrive in the highly competitive world of telecommunications, providers must delight customers and employees by responding to their needs with the same speed, interactivity, and connectivity that they expect from your network.”

“Medallia helps amplify the voice of customers across all touchpoints, enabling PLDT and Smart to listen and act on feedback in a consistent, deliberate, and thoughtful manner. We look forward to working with PLDT and Smart to delight customers with world-class experiences,” Stretch added.

He added, “Medallia continues to expand across the telecommunications industry in APAC and currently works with customers in key markets including Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia, to help optimise their customer experience.”