PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with SM Cares to encourage more Filipinos to properly dispose their electronic waste for a better world. 

Shoppers can bring their old gadgets — like mobile phones, chargers, computer wires, earphones, and other e-waste — to the collection hubs at SM Supermalls nationwide. To encourage customers to support the program, Smart will raffle off 22 units of the Smart Bro prepaid pocket WiFi devices to those who will participate in the Live Smarter Challenge at designated areas until May 22, 2021.

Last month, Smart launched its “Live Smarter for a Better World” campaign which puts the spotlight on its long-running community partnership and corporate social responsibility programs to inspire Filipinos to commit to “personal revolutions” to generate lasting positive impact to society.

“We are happy to have partnered with SM Cares as we enable people to pursue their passions and purpose, especially for the environment,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart. 

She further underscored that big and small efforts can contribute to making a better world, highlighting the importance of Smart’s network and services in keeping Filipinos connected and empowered. “This is the driving force that has kept us going. It has always been in our DNA to serve and improve the lives of Filipino people—not just our customers,” Basas added. 

Meanwhile, SM Supermalls, through the SM Cares Program on Environment, launched its Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program earlier this year.  

“This is just the beginning of our series of CSR programs with Smart, as we join hands in creating a better world for Filipinos. We at SM are committed to continuously look for ways and means to better care for the planet and to support the communities where our malls are present, including addressing the growing problem of e-waste,” said Liza B. Silerio, VP – Corporate Compliance Group of SM Supermalls.

Smart Communities

Smart is also continuously enabling communities with technology, particularly education and livelihood, with two of its corporate social responsibility programs: School-in-A-Bag and “Buy Local, Buy Smart.” 

The School-in-a-Bag is designed to provide access to technology, connectivity, content, and a disaster-resilient pedagogy even for schools in remote areas without electricity. Each water-resistant backpack carries a laptop and pocket WiFi for the teacher and 10-20 tablets for the students, all pre-loaded with interactive, multimedia content accessible even if offline.  

Meanwhile, the “Buy Local, Buy Smart” initiative enjoins employees of PLDT, Smart, and its sister companies to buy their produce directly from local farming communities. By providing a sure and direct market for their produce, Smart is helping small-scale farmers earn more. Through the program, a sustainability fund for farmers is also established. For every purchase of rice from store.cropital.com, up to Php100 goes to funding their next planting cycle.  

Smart’s other initiatives also include building a culture of disaster resilience among communities with its #SafePH campaign, enhancing tourism through digital innovation with its Digital Tourism efforts, and preserving nature through mobile and communications technologies with its various environmental protection programs.

Smart’s environmental stewardship programs are aligned with the company’s commitment to helping the Philippines attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #13: Climate Action.For more information, visit https://smart.com.ph/Pages/betterworld.

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