Leading integrated telco PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to push for safer online spaces, particularly in the gaming community, as the Group backs this year’s global celebration of Safer Internet Day and continues its support for esports. 

The Philippines is home to the world’s most avid gamers, according to the latest Digital 2023 Global Overview Report, an annual report on worldwide social media and digital trends. 

The study, which included information from Meltwater and We Are Social, among other sources, found that around the world, more than four in every five internet users aged 16 to 64 (81.9%) play video games on any device. Bulk of them–about two-thirds (66.2%)–play video games using their smartphones. 

The Philippines currently tops the list of countries in terms of percentage of users who play video games on any device at 95.8 percent, ahead of neighbors like Indonesia (94.8%), Vietnam (93.1%) and Thailand (93%). 

“Gaming’s popularity among Filipinos, especially the youth, makes it all the more important for key stakeholders like PLDT and Smart to help create and maintain safe online spaces, particularly in these digital playgrounds which are popular among our younger users,” said Cathy Yang, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications. 

To raise awareness, PLDT and Smart’s Better Today PH (Better Today) program is launching a series of conversations on internet safety among gaming industry experts and advocates this month. 

This aligns with the Group’s initiatives as a staunch supporter of Philippine sports, including esports, celebrating the positive impact of discipline, perseverance and a winning mindset in life and business, as well as with PLDT and Smart’s commitment to help the country achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 3 (Promote well-being for all at all ages) and UN SDG No. 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development). 

As a longtime advocate of esports development in the Philippines, Smart marked its 5th year of partnership with Moonton last year with the 2022 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League tournaments that recognized the amazing talents of the Filipino youth in esports in the global arena. 

Further honing the passion, skill, and talent of Filipino gamers, Smart also launched the first all-in-one esports platform for Filipino mobile gamers, GIGA Arena. The platform is open to all Smart and TNT customers and lets users match up with fellow players to compete in daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments for prestige and cash prizes. 

Aside from organizing the country’s biggest esports events and backing Filipino esports athletes, Smart also supports gamers with relevant data offers and services, such as the enhanced GIGA Games, a data-packed offer that enables Filipinos to play their favorite games, such as Mobile Legends. Subscribers can register to Power All and Giga Games 99 by logging into the GigaLife App, or by dialing *123#. 

Gamers can enjoy leveled-up gaming experiences powered by Smart, which is recognized as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence. 

To continue enjoying the best gaming experiences powered by Smart, subscribers are encouraged to register their Smart and TNT SIM at http://www.smart.com.ph/simreg.

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