The country’s leading telecom providers—Smart Communications, Inc. and Globe Telecom—are ramping up efforts to improve services through strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and inclusive innovation.
At the recent Philippine AWS Cloud Day, Smart COO Anastacio Martirez highlighted the company’s commitment to affordable, high-quality innovation, using AI to enhance customer service, optimize networks, and deliver targeted marketing. These efforts are already driving measurable impact, with AI adopters in the Philippines reporting an average of 18 percent revenue growth and 70 percent experiencing significant productivity gains, he said.
However, Martirez emphasized that technology alone is not enough. With 57 percent of businesses citing a lack of digital skills as a barrier to AI adoption, he called for a national AI literacy drive to empower Filipino talent.
“True innovation lifts everyone… [but] tech without skills is useless. We need a national AI literacy drive so that everyone—from BPO agents to barangay health workers—can use AI,” Martirez said.
“Work once out of reach due to training, distance, or cultural barriers is now within grasp, unlocked by gen AI and world-class connectivity.”
Together, the companies are building a Center of Excellence for AI in the Philippines, strengthening Smart’s data and AI capabilities to deliver personalized, AI-powered customer experiences.
“The best AI innovations are built with purpose, born with empathy, scaled with trust,” Martirez said. “Together, we are reimagining journeys, supporting digitalization, and expanding digital inclusion.”
Positioning Smart as the nation’s digital backbone, Martirez shared the company’s vision for AI in the Philippines: “We aim to make every Filipino a co-creator in the AI revolution. We are at a fork in the road. AI could widen the digital divide or make the Philippines the world’s lab for inclusive AI. We choose the latter.”
Meanwhile, Globe on August 27 launched The Blueprint, the first in a series of quarterly media events showcasing how the company is using technology to promote digital inclusion and empower every Filipino.
By presenting a portfolio of solutions that are intentional, intuitive, and accessible, Globe is demonstrating how innovation directly translates into progress for individuals, communities, and enterprises.
“The Blueprint showcases how our innovation is inclusive by design—personal where it matters, protected by default, and accessible to all,” said Darius Delgado, Globe Chief Commercial Officer. “From hyper-personalized plans and secure digital journeys to consulting that solves enterprise pain points and new entertainment frontiers, we’re the digital enabler behind everyday progress.”
In addition, Globe introduced its latest home broadband service, Globe At Home 5G—the world’s first fiber-like internet delivered via 5G—engineered for seamless Wi-Fi sharing and connectivity wherever life happens.
“At Globe, we believe innovation must always serve a greater purpose,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO. “The Blueprint is a reminder that every product we build, every service we design, is meant to make daily life easier, safer, and more.
