PLDT supports PH shift to circular economy

PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm, Smart Communications Inc., have reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines’ transition towards a circular economy during recent discussions with government officials and industry leaders.

The circular economy, a critical aspect of the Philippines' Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, focuses on reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable production and consumption practices.

Melissa Vergel de Dios, Chief Sustainability Officer for PLDT and Smart, emphasized the benefits of the circular economy, stating, “We believe that embracing a circular economy will not only address the pressing issues of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss but will also create new opportunities for innovation, economic development, and value creation across various sectors.”

PLDT and Smart actively participated in a recent Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting hosted by the House Committee on Economic Affairs, where they discussed House Bill 8791, which aims to promote a circular economy, and House Bill 9791, which provides a framework for circular economy practices to support sustainable production and consumption.

Following the meeting, the companies submitted a position paper supporting key provisions of the proposed legislation. Their recommendations focused on integrating practices and digital technologies that reduce the environmental impact of products and services.

The telcos also took part in the Circular Economy Dialogue organized by the Makati Business Club, which aimed to gather industry feedback on proposed circular economy and low-carbon economy legislation currently under consideration by Congress.

During the MBC session, PLDT and Smart highlighted their existing initiatives aligned with circular economy principles. These include product stewardship, waste reduction, and recycling efforts. Notable projects include Smart’s push for eSIM technology and their ongoing electronic waste collection programs.

Vergel de Dios added, “We are committed to staying involved in these multi-sectoral discussions and adapting to new regulations to enhance our capabilities and foster collaborations that advance circularity and sustainability.”

In related news, Smart reported an 11 percent increase in mobile data revenue for the first quarter of 2024, reaching PHP 18.8 billion, driven by higher data usage. This revenue represents nearly 90 percent of the total PHP 21.2 billion in wireless revenue for the quarter.