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.
“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.