PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have earned recognition at the LinkedIn Talent Awards Philippines, highlighting the companies’ continued efforts to build a workplace that prioritizes employee development, continuous learning, and long-term career growth.
PLDT and Smart received the Best Employer Brand on LinkedIn award in the category for organizations with more than 10,000 employees on the professional networking platform. The recognition underscores the group’s employer branding initiatives anchored on its purpose-driven campaign, #MakeItMeaningful.
“These distinctions reflect the kind of workplace we aim to build—one where our people are encouraged to continuously learn, adapt to new technologies, and view change as an opportunity,” said Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer.
“By investing in skills, especially in AI, we enable our employees to grow alongside the business and deliver greater value to the customers and communities we serve,” he added.
Launched in 2023, the #MakeItMeaningful campaign highlights authentic employee stories and workplace experiences, emphasizing the company’s purpose of inspiring innovation and meaningful connections across generations. According to PLDT, the campaign generated strong organic engagement through employee participation and exceeded LinkedIn’s global benchmarks.
Building on employee feedback gathered through its 2024 Employee Engagement Survey, the group also introduced its WE:CARE Framework—short for Workplace Experiences that Connect, Align, Recognize, and Empower—to strengthen employee engagement and cultivate a more supportive work environment.
Smart also received recognition as a Finalist for AI Pioneer: Learning Champion in the category for organizations with 5,000 to 10,000 employees on LinkedIn. The citation highlights the company’s commitment to equipping employees with future-ready capabilities, particularly in artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies.
“At the heart of these recognitions is our continued commitment to creating a workplace where our people feel connected, aligned, recognized, and empowered to do their best work,” said Gina Ordoñez, PLDT and Smart Chief People Officer.
“As technology and industries continue to evolve, we remain focused on building future-ready capabilities, strengthening leadership, and fostering an organization that enables our people to grow, thrive, and create meaningful impact for our customers and the nation,” she added.
The company said it continues to invest in structured training programs, digital learning platforms, and hands-on development opportunities that encourage employees to strengthen their AI and digital skills while adapting to the changing demands of the workforce.
Beyond the awards, PLDT noted that the recognition reflects the growing importance of employer branding, workforce development, and technology readiness as businesses respond to rapid digital transformation. Smart’s inclusion as the only telecommunications company recognized in the AI learning category further highlights the industry’s increasing focus on preparing employees for an AI-driven future.
Through these initiatives, PLDT and Smart aim to strengthen a workplace culture where learning, innovation, and purpose empower employees while supporting the company’s broader mission of delivering meaningful services to customers and communities nationwide.
