PLDT, Smart roll out AI upskilling program to future-proof IT leadership

In a bold step toward future-proofing its workforce, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have rolled out the AI & Innovation Skilling Program, a multi-tiered initiative designed to equip employees—from frontline staff to senior executives—with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered future.

​In the most recent part of the series, 44 senior IT leaders joined a hands-on workshop led by Microsoft Philippines. The session introduced Agentic AI and guided participants through bot-building exercises and real-world use cases to explore how AI can enhance workflows and automate processes. In April, the session focused on digital transformation with Huawei. Upcoming workshops will continue to explore leadership, cybersecurity, and other advanced technologies.

“This is more than just training, it’s a strategic investment in our people,” said Gilbert Gaw, FVP and Head of IT and Transformation Office at PLDT. “By empowering our leaders with practical AI capabilities, we’re preparing them to lead innovation and drive value creation across the organization.”

The program launch follows PLDT Group’s strong showing at the recent Mobile World Congress Shanghai, where COO Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. underscored the pivotal role of 5G and AI in driving smarter networks, better customer experiences, and new business models. He also highlighted PLDT’s investment in AI bootcamps and upskilling to prepare its workforce for intelligent connectivity.
“If our people don’t embrace AI, there’s no way we can lead with it,” he said. “We must believe in it ourselves before we can deliver it to our customers.”

PLDT and Smart are committed to building a future-ready workforce through responsible and innovative AI adoption. As leading telco and digital services providers in the Philippines, both companies are embedding AI across operations—from customer experience and network management to enterprise solutions and internal productivity.

Through strategic partnerships and continuous learning programs, PLDT and Smart aim to empower employees to harness AI for meaningful impact, ensuring the organization remains agile, competitive, and human-centered in the digital age.