PLDT-Smart-USAID collab on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation launched

The Philippines’ largest fully integrated telecommunications company, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), recently turned over tablets and connectivity support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help improve the protection of marine resources at the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS).

Communications technology are being leveraged by PLDT and Smart to support the implementation of the Fisheries Sharing Hub on Investigation, Enforcement, Litigation and Detection System (FishSHIELDS) in Siargao.

FishSHIELDS, which the USAID co-develops with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is being implemented in SIPLAS, which is managed by DENR.

The tool empowers enforcement officers with digital resources to better identify, deter, and address cases of violations in Philippine waters. The equipment will be used by law enforcement personnel to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the protected area.

SIBOL project

The turnover ceremony kicked off a collaboration with USAID through its Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans and Landscapes (SIBOL) project, which works in partnership with DENR and BFAR to improve environmental governance and protection in various key biodiversity areas in the country.

These sites include the Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in Masinloc, Zambales and SIPLAS in Surigao del Norte, where PLDT and Smart will support environmental protection efforts.

Among the country’s critical biodiversity hotspots are the MOBPLS and SIPLAS which serve as habitats for vast mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, reef areas and marine species.

These areas provide vital food and livelihood sources and function as natural barriers against the impacts of typhoons and storm surges for surrounding local communities.

However, these protected areas still face threats from illegal activities that harm the environment and the livelihood of people in these areas.

“As we operate across the country’s rich biodiversity landscape, we at PLDT and Smart recognize our impact on nature, and conversely, nature’s impact on our business; thus, the need for a deliberate and responsible approach to manage our environmental impact and promote sustainable use of our natural resources. This collaboration with USAID is yet another project where we will leverage on communications technology to support the preservation of biodiversity sites that are of national and global importance,” said PLDT and Smart first vice president and chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.

USAID partnerships with Phl government

For his part, Ryder Rogers, Director of USAID’s Environment Office said, “USAID is proud of our partnerships with the Government of the Philippines, the private sector, and communities to protect the oceans and conserve biodiversity. These new tools will help local enforcers to protect Siargao’s precious marine resources for future generations.”

Both PLDT and Smart are also working with USAID to design and conduct a biodiversity risk management workshop for the former’s employees and supply chain partners to enhance identification and management of potential risks to biodiversity as they roll out network facilities and operate across the country.

These initiatives demonstrate PLDT and Smart’s commitment to uphold principles of the United Nations Global Compact, particularly in institutionalizing a precautionary approach to environmental challenges and the promotion of greater environmental responsibility among businesses.

PLDT and Smart are also aligned with frameworks of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures which are aimed at integrating nature into business decisions and financial reporting.