CLARK FREEPORT— The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), PLDT Clarktel, and Smart Communications have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to improve internet connectivity and services for the upcoming Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions Conference (MICECON) Clark 2024.
CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, PLDT Clarktel President John Gonzales, and Smart Communications First Vice President Hoyle Raul Disuanco formalized the agreement in a ceremony held at the Clark Visitors Center.
In her message, Atty. Devanadera emphasized the positive impact of this collaboration in and around the Freeport.
(CDC Photo)
“We are happy that we are having this proactive and strategic partnership. We are dreaming that on our parks, we have the connectivity when people come. We want to see all our open spaces to be the family destination even for people who work remotely because they have access to WiFi (Wireless Fidelity). These are the things that we need to have,” she said.
The CDC chief concluded by linking the song “The Sound of Silence” to the importance of overcoming communication barriers for connections and love, relating this to PLDT and Smart’s role.
“Smart and PLDT shall provide the means for communication, and therefore, Smart and PLDT shall provide the bridge for loving one another,” she added.
For his part, Gonzales highlighted PLDT Clarktel’s commitment to enhancing connectivity within the zone.
“PLDT Clarktel has always been at the forefront of innovation and service excellence. From our inception, we have tried to ensure that Clark remains connected, leveraging on cutting-edge technology to provide unparalleled communication solutions. Our commitment to this mission has never wavered and today, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting the growth and development in Clark. PLDT Clarktel has been a staunch partner of CDC’s vision, mission, and initiative,” he said.
Meanwhile, Disuanco expressed enthusiasm for strengthening collaboration with CDC.
“We would like to intensify our partnership with CDC, I’d like to make it deeper. At Smart, we don’t just offer telecommunications but we are actually involved more in establishing meaningful connections. When we go deeper, with similar strategic intentions, we can intensify our level of partnership,” he stated.
PLDT Clarktel will provide 1Gb internet connectivity for MICECON Clark 2024 and 500Mb for the CDC Welcome Dinner.
In addition, Smart Communications will offer free one-hour internet access to the public. They will support bandwidth for at least 100 concurrent users and enhance Smart Public WiFi at Clark Parade Grounds with new access points, switches, and cables. Smart Communications will also manage the installation, maintenance, and replacement of malfunctioning units within a day.
Other officials present at the event included Directors Atty. Manuel Feliciano, Atty. Pablo de Borja, Atty. Maricris Ang-Carlos, Sharon Faye Malapitan-Bautista, all from CDC; Atty. Pamela Felizarta, Head of Joint Strategic Operations, and Joselito Mercado, Chief Operating Officer, from PLDT Clarktel.
