PLDT Honored for Socially Responsible Infrastructure Development

Strategic Insights -

Philippine telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. was recognized by The Asset Magazine for its P2 billion social loan from HSBC Philippines, which financed the expansion of the company's fiber optic cable network to reach remote and underserved areas, promoting digital inclusion. This recognition reflects PLDT's commitment to narrowing the digital divide and supporting the government's efforts to improve access to digital services. The company's fiber network now covers 73 percent of Philippine towns and 91 percent of total provinces. The Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2025, where PLDT received the recognition, highlights the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in driving economic growth and social impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • PLDT was honored by The Asset Magazine for its P2 billion social loan from HSBC Philippines, recognized as the Social Infrastructure Deal of the Year in the ASEAN region category.
  • The loan proceeds helped finance the expansion of fiber optic cable network to reach fourth to sixth class municipalities, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
  • PLDT's fiber network now covers 73 percent of Philippine towns and 91 percent of total provinces as of end-March 2023.
  • The company's fiber network provides a robust backbone to Smart Communications, which maintains a 97 percent population coverage of 4G/5G networks.
  • PLDT's fiber network also supports VITRO in building AI-ready hyperscale data centers and driving local adoption of AI services.
  • The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2025 recognizes institutions and investments contributing to Asia's infrastructure growth and economic development.
  • The awards covered performance from January to December 2024, highlighting the significance of sustainable infrastructure development in the region.

Statistics:

  • P2 billion: The amount of the social loan from HSBC Philippines that helped finance the expansion of PLDT's fiber optic cable network.
  • 73: Percent of Philippine towns covered by PLDT's fiber network as of end-March 2023.
  • 91: Percent of total provinces covered by PLDT's fiber network as of end-March 2023.
  • 97: Percent population coverage of 4G/5G networks maintained by Smart Communications using PLDT's fiber network.
  • January-December 2024: The period covered by The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2025, recognizing sustainable infrastructure development in Asia.

Sources:

  • The Asset Magazine
  • HSBC Philippines
  • PLDT Inc.
  • Philippine government