PLDT, Smart tapped for PH quincentennial activities

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) have tapped Philippine telco PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications to help implement and promote the virtual activities lined up for the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines.

“We are fully committed to continue our network buildout to improve the quality of our service and to keep communities connected despite the challenges of the pandemic. Through our sustained network expansion efforts and this collaboration with the NHCP and NQC, more people across the country and all over the world will be able to take part in important milestones of our nation’s history. We at PLDT and Smart are deeply grateful to the NHCP and the NQC for making us part of this historic celebration,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan in a press statement.

500 years of Christianity in PH

The NQC is a Philippine inter-government institution created to organize quincentennial commemorative activities for the yearlong celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Christianization of the Philippines. These activities include the the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, as well as the country’s significant role in the circumnavigation of the world.

PLDT and Smart also recently supported NQC and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in their launch of the 5000-Piso Lapu-Lapu Commemorative Banknote and Medal at Fort San Antonio Abad at the BSP Complex in Malate, Manila. By working together, these institutions successfully brought these events to digital platforms, reaching a wider audience locally and globally.

With the theme “Victory and Humanity,” the Quincentennial Commemorations are intended to promote local and national tourism to help ignite Filipino nationalism.

Among these activities are the Raising of the Philippine Flag in the Liberty Shrine at Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Jan. 27. The site for the permanent display of the Philippine flag was handpicked and given recognition by NHCP and NQC in time for the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan. This event also marked the official 100-day countdown to April 27 — the beginning of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the country.

Support for virtual celebrations that showcase the rich and colorful Filipino heritage and culture is among PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to empower their customers in pursuing their passions and purpose. For almost a decade, Smart through its Digital Tourism Program has been providing digital solutions to various sectors such as local government units and public-private organizations.