PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have established robust policies to safeguard biodiversity, prevent net deforestation, and champion nature-based solutions as they continue to expand their presence and deploy network infrastructure across the Philippines.
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau, and grounded in an assessment of their business impact and dependency on nature, these policies are designed to integrate environmental protection measures and minimize the ecological footprint of PLDT and Smart’s operations and value chain activities.
Globally recognized as one of the 18 mega-diverse countries, the Philippines is home to 75% of Earth’s biodiversity, encompassing 70% to 80% of plant and animal species. However, the nation is also listed among the top global conservation priorities due to significant biodiversity loss driven by climate change, overexploitation, and pollution.
“As we work towards connecting more Filipinos through technology, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to protect the environment. The Philippines’ status as one of the most biodiverse countries underscores the importance of implementing strong policies that allow us to grow our business responsibly while preserving natural resources,” said PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.
PLDT and Smart’s biodiversity policies explicitly advocate for ‘No Net Deforestation’ and ‘No Net Loss in Natural Forest Cover,’ aligning with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. These commitments aim to replace or restore every tree or forest cover impacted by their business activities through extensive reforestation projects.
The policies outline strict compliance guidelines with environmental laws, especially for operations near nationally and globally protected areas. Furthermore, they emphasize raising biodiversity awareness among stakeholders, respecting the rights of indigenous communities, and leveraging technology to advance nature-based solutions.
Through collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and community organizations, PLDT and Smart actively support diverse biodiversity conservation initiatives and promote sustainable ecosystem management, including rainforests, mangroves, seagrasses, and peatlands.
“We are committed to safeguarding both the business and the planet by embedding sustainability into our operations. The PLDT and Smart Biodiversity Policies institutionalize responsible practices concerning regulatory compliance, permitting network rollouts, and operational risk management. These policies further reinforce our Supplier Code of Conduct, encouraging contractors and partners to preserve natural resources and respect local communities during project implementation,” stated PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.
The companies adhere to the principles of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, ensuring a thorough approach to managing biodiversity impacts across their operations and value chain.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, PLDT, and Smart actively contribute to Goal 14 (Life Below Water), focused on conserving marine ecosystems, and Goal 15 (Life on Land), aimed at promoting sustainable terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests responsibly, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss.
