PLDT, Smart AI-in-a-Box boost Baguio’s smart city journey
In the Photo. (L-R) Samantha Hamada, Chief of Staff, City Mayor’s Office; Elias Aoanan, Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator; Micaela Gay Rimando, Supervisor and Economist, SIGLAT – Baguio Youth Innovation Hub; Roby Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement, PLDT and Smart; Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City; Francis Camarao, Head of Baguio City Management Information and Technology Division; Josh Aquino, Head of Communications, Microsoft Philippines; Janine Laygo-Librea, Strategic Accounts, Lenovo Philippines.
Baguio City is tapping AI for smarter public service with PLDT and Smart’s AI-in-a-Box, a digital empowerment initiative that brings artificial intelligence closer to communities through tools, connectivity, and training.
With support from the group’s social outreach arm, PLDT Smart Foundation, and partners Microsoft and Lenovo Philippines, PLDT and Smart provided the Baguio City government with an AI access kit, connectivity, and mentorship. The package also includes a donated laptop, a smartphone, a connectivity device, and premium access to AI tools.
“AI-in-a-Box reflects our commitment to technology for good,” said Roby A. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “By enabling AI adoption at the community level, we aim to bridge the digital divide and create meaningful experiences that empower Filipinos to thrive in a connected society.”
Beyond the AI kit, PLDT and Smart have kicked off its AI mentorship and acceleration program for the Baguio City LGU, helping transform ideas into practical AI solutions for the city. This initiative supports Baguio City’s digitalization roadmap, which includes the development of innovation hubs, the adoption of smart systems to advance sustainability and resiliency, and the creation of equal access to opportunities and services across the city.
“PLDT and Smart’s AI in a Box initiative is more than a technological gift; it is a gesture of trust in the people of Baguio. It equips our teams with the tools to innovate boldly, plan with data driven clarity, and design services that honor the dignity and needs of every resident,” said Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City. “This partnership strengthens our push to become a smart city and brings us closer to the long-term vision of Baguio 2047—a livable, inclusive, and creative city shaped by collaboration, compassion, and smart solutions where no one is left behind.”
Microsoft also introduced Microsoft Copilot, bringing AI into the flow of everyday government work—helping teams move faster on critical tasks, simplify processes, and unlock more time to deliver responsive and citizen-centered services.
“At Microsoft, we see AI as an engine for nation-building. It helps local governments work smarter, make decisions faster, and deliver better services to citizens. Partnerships like this matter because they keep AI grounded in real community needs, built on trust, and accessible to more people. This is how we move toward a more innovative and future-ready Philippines,” said Jonathan Que, Microsoft Philippines Country General Manager.
Lenovo Philippines, which donated the laptop included in the AI-in-a-Box kit, underscored the importance of equipping local governments with the right tools to make innovation more accessible and impactful.
About PLDT
PLDT is the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups — from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks.
PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine — listed companies.
Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content to over 62.9 million Filipinos as of June 2023, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.
