Spreading Across the Nation: The Impact of Davao's Practices
Rewritten Article:
; Catching the Wave of Digital Growth: Tech Week PH in Davao City(Bucking trends and pushing boundaries in Mindanao)
The emergence of new tech improvements isn't just confined to cityscapes anymore. It's spilling over to rural areas too, particularly in Mindanao, Philippines, thanks to events like Tech Week PH by PLDT Enterprise. Held recently at the hip Acacia Hotel in Davao City, this was the kickoff of Tech Week PH's multi-city tour.
Tech Week PH's mission is clear: to bridge the digital divide between bustling cities and quiet towns, making technology more accessible for everyone, no matter where they are located. Mindanao, the first stop of this exciting tech extravaganza, is no exception.
Mitch Locsin, the First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business at PLDT and Smart, steered Tech Week PH 2025 in Davao City. Highlighting PLDT's pioneering initiatives, Locsin shared that they're now introducing AI-powered submarine links to connect regional hubs, like Mindanao, with global markets via innovative technologies, delivering faster, more dependable internet and enhanced data utilization for businesses.
"Boosting connectivity in Mindanao sparks growth across sectors like agriculture, tourism, and business services, enabling local businesses to seize fresh opportunities and compete on the global stage," Locsin announced.
This dynamic shift in technology will heighten data speeds and usage, opening more avenues to social media platforms, managed services, and business prospects. Moreover, it will connect Mindanao with data centers not only within the region but also in Luzon.
Recognizing that education plays a crucial role in empowering people to take advantage of these advancements, Locsin stressed the importance of educating the next generation. PLDT plans to partner with schools and CSR programs to train students in key tech skills, such as data centers, connectivity infrastructure, and AI utilization.
Victor Genuino, President and CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., echoed the sentiment, emphasizing PLDT's unwavering commitment to fostering Mindanao's digital transformation through innovation, education, and skills development. Genuino believes the region's future lies in a digitally skilled workforce, with PLDT investing heavily in education and training to ensure local talent excels in the digital economy.
Tech Week PH shed light on how technology is transforming essential sectors, such as agriculture and tourism. AI tools, for instance, are enhancing crop monitoring, irrigation management, and sustainability, helping farmers adapt to climate change and reach a broader market. On the tourism front, smart technologies are elevating customer experiences and streamlining infrastructure management, making cities like Davao more attractive to visitors while allowing local businesses to better cater to customers and boost cybersecurity.
PLDT's strategic approach involves forming strong partnerships with local governments, business owners, and educational institutions. Tech Week PH underlined the critical part of collaboration between PLDT and regional stakeholders in making technology more inclusive. These partnerships are essential to building a stable digital infrastructure and guaranteeing sustainable long-term growth in Mindanao.
One exciting highlight during Tech Week PH was Grab Philippines' tech-driven approach, which is revolutionizing their services, benefiting drivers, customers, and small businesses alike. Platforms like Grab aren't just shaking up transportation but are also playing a crucial role in supporting livelihoods, ensuring safety, and promoting local businesses.
As Grab Philippines strengthens its services in Mindanao, it's also amplifying its technological features to enhance safety and transparency. A notable feature is the option to record conversations between drivers and customers, with both parties' consent, helping resolve disputes and prevent misunderstandings. The app also pinpoints customers' locations accurately, leading to smoother, more efficient rides.
According to CJ Lacsican, Vice President for Cities at Grab Philippines, the platform aims to shield both drivers and customers by leveraging technology to flag potential hazards on the road. For example, the system can alert drivers in real-time about unforeseen events or roadblocks, making them aware of dangerous situations and allowing them to avoid them. With data coverage spanning almost 200 areas across the Philippines, Grab consistently monitors and adjusts routes to ensure both parties stay safe.
Beyond transportation, Grab is empowering local businesses to thrive. A core component of Grab's ecosystem is its support for small businesses, particularly restaurants. By partnering with local establishments, Grab helps them reach more customers and provides opportunities for increased sales and growth. Whether it's through microfinancing or greater exposure through the platform, these partnerships create a win-win scenario for all.
Through AI-driven infrastructure, improved connectivity, and educational initiatives, PLDT Enterprise is opening gates to a future where every Filipino can access digital opportunities, no matter their location. The company is taking bold steps to bring people together, empower local entrepreneurs, nurture the next generation, advance industries, and drive economic growth, both within Mindanao and beyond.
- The digital growth wave isn't limited to cities now; it spills over to rural areas, like Mindanao, due to events such as Tech Week PH by PLDT Enterprise.
- PLDT is focusing on bridging the digital divide, making technology accessible to everyone, even in quiet towns, as seen in their Mindanao initiative during Tech Week PH.
- Mitch Locsin, from PLDT, highlighted plans to introduce AI-powered submarine links to connect regional hubs, aiding Mindanao in reaching global markets using innovative technologies.
- Enhanced connectivity in Mindanao, as per Locsin, encourages growth across sectors like agriculture, tourism, and business services, allowing local businesses to seize global opportunities.
- Recognizing the role of education in empowering people, PLDT plans to partner with schools and CSR programs to educate students in key tech skills, focusing on areas like data centers, connectivity infrastructure, and AI utilization.
- Victor Genuino of ePLDT believes that a digitally skilled Mindanao workforce is essential for the region's future, with PLDT investing heavily in education and training to ensure local talent succeeds in the digital economy.
- Tech Week PH demonstrates how technology is transforming essential sectors, such as agriculture and tourism, through AI tools that enhance monitoring, management, and sustainability, and smart technologies that streamline infrastructure and improve customer experiences.
