IN observance of National Cooperative Month, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), collaborated with the Province of Lanao del Sur (LDS) to provide advanced skills training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for over 40 Meranaw cooperatives.
Conducted through the LDS Provincial Cooperative Office, this initiative aimed to empower cooperative members by equipping them with modern AI tools to enhance content creation and support the digital growth of local businesses.
Through this training, cooperative members from a range of industries, including textiles and food production, learned to utilize AI applications for promotional content, enabling them to expand their digital presence. This training underscored the importance of responsible and effective use of AI tools to increase the visibility and reach of their products and services.
The program is a key component of PLDT Group’s eBizNovation initiative, which seeks to support cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with access to technology and skill development opportunities. In line with this vision, Judee Caroline O. Chaves, Mindanao Relations Head at PLDT and Smart, highlighted the companies’ ongoing collaboration with Lanao del Sur’s local government to help integrate Meranaw communities into the digital economy.
Ashadie Alonto, LDS Provincial Cooperative Officer, expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting the value of AI tools in enhancing business operations across the province. This program enables cooperative members to integrate digital skills into their business practices, contributing to improved efficiency and market reach.
One of the program participants, Shanee Lomondot, a young member of the Mamaanun Cooperative specializing in food products, plans to use her new AI skills to expand the cooperative’s market beyond Lanao del Sur. Having previously relied on basic photo posts, Lomondot can now use AI tools to create more engaging and effective content for the cooperative’s social media channels, enhancing its digital marketing strategy.
The success of PLDT and Smart’s eBizNovation program is supported by PLDT Group’s comprehensive fixed and wireless network infrastructure, which continues to expand nationwide. These infrastructure investments align with the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing connectivity to all, including Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). The PLDT Group’s focus on enhancing reliable internet access nationwide reflects its dedication to the government’s digitalization mission, helping to empower local communities and promote economic growth across the country.
