The Philippines’ largest integrated network PLDT Inc. (PLDT Group) joined UP-CIFAL Philippines in a multi-stakeholder forum entitled “No One Left Behind: Reaffirming the Philippine commitment to Sustainable Development” in celebration of the United Nations (UN) Day.
Representing the private sector in the virtual forum, the PLDT Group, through its Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Investor Relations Melissa Vergel de Dios, presented its key business initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Now is the time for the PLDT Group to play a more integral role in helping our country achieve sustainable development by connecting the unconnected, bringing connectivity and technology to underserved and unserved communities, and continuously measuring and improving our progress so that we not only keep track of the SDGs but also keep the SDGs on track,” she explained.
Vergel de Dios also highlighted the Group’s network infrastructure expansion for digital inclusion, shared value partnerships for quality education, livelihood, gender equality, cyber security, and child online protection, and decarbonization efforts for climate action.
“Central to sustainable development is social inclusion or people; people as they intersect with the planet to achieve prosperity through partnerships, and peace through strong institutions,” said UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Dr. Edna Estifania Co.
Acknowledging this, Vergel de Dios also underscored in her presentation the PLDT Group’s continuing commitment to promoting social inclusion through its enabling technology.
Earlier this year, the PLDT Group made a parallel commitment to helping the country contribute to the SDGs through the Stakeholders’ Chamber led by the National Economic Development Authority. The Group is also a Participant signatory to the UN Global Compact, underscoring its thrust to align business operations with global principles for human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.