What does the technology behind the country’s digital connectivity actually look like in action? At PLDT Innolab, students saw more than concepts and presentations—they saw the systems that keep millions of Filipinos connected every day.

Students from Siena College of Taytay (SCT) in Rizal and Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) in South Cotabato recently visited the innovation hub of PLDT and Smart, where they explored the technologies driving communication, digital transactions, and connectivity across the country.

“Opening our doors to students is about more than showcasing technology—it’s about helping them see the opportunities ahead,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Through programs like SWEEP and learning experiences at PLDT Innolab, we aim to connect classroom learning with industry realities and encourage young innovators to help shape a more connected Philippines.”

The visit formed part of the schools’ participation in the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), which brings together students from Computer Science, Information Technology, and various engineering fields, including Computer, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Electronics Engineering. Now in its fifth phase, the program continues to evolve alongside the industry by incorporating AI, automation, and intelligent systems into engineering education.

During the tour, students learned how PLDT and Smart’s fixed and wireless technologies support reliable and secure connectivity for homes, businesses, and communities nationwide. They also gained insight into how these systems are built to handle large-scale demand while maintaining resilience and seamless user experiences.

“I’ve joined hackathons before, but seeing these technologies up close made me realize how advanced things already are, especially with AI becoming more integrated,” said Joever Rafael, an Electronics and Communications Engineering student from NDMU. “It motivates me even more to contribute to future network technologies, possibly even 6G.”

Students were also introduced to the AIRA Command Center developed by AIRA Labs, a local startup backed by PLDT Enterprise. The platform uses artificial intelligence to process large volumes of data from sources such as CCTV cameras and sensors, helping organizations detect risks, identify patterns, and respond more quickly through real-time insights.

“I didn’t fully realize how extensive these systems were until the tour,” said Aicel Cegueña, an Information Technology student from SCT. “The potential for improving government services, especially public safety, is significant because AI can help process information from CCTV systems much faster.”

Another featured technology was SmartSafe Silent Access, PLDT Enterprise’s authentication solution that verifies mobile users securely without requiring one-time passwords (OTPs). The platform aims to make digital transactions faster and more secure as more services move online.

“It was eye-opening to see how these innovations address real-world concerns like scams,” said Jed Tomarong, an Electrical Engineering student at NDMU. “Solutions like SmartSafe reflect how security technologies are evolving, especially with the growing role of AI.”

PLDT and Smart also used the opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among students by discussing common scam tactics and how users can better protect personal information online.

“Being cybersmart plays a big role in protecting ourselves online,” said Keegan de Peralta, a Computer Science student from SCT. “Learning about different kinds of scams made me more careful about sharing personal information.”

By welcoming students into PLDT Innolab, PLDT and Smart continue to support the development of future engineers, innovators, and technopreneurs through exposure to real-world technologies and industry applications.

Beyond showcasing emerging technologies, the visit underscored a broader objective: preparing students not only to understand these systems, but also to help build and improve them in the years ahead.

Aligned with the PLDT Group’s commitment to inclusive learning, SWEEP and related initiatives at PLDT Innolab support STEM education and contribute to the country’s efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education.

➤ SEE: PLDT SMART WORKSHOP FOR BLIND STUDENTS

Planning a mid-year getaway? Trip.com is rolling out its much-awaited 5.5 Mid-Year Sale, making it easier to travel without overspending. With big discounts across flights, hotels, and activities, this is a great chance to turn your travel plans into reality—without stretching your budget.

Whether you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches in Boracay or city adventures in Hong Kong and Sydney, there’s something for every kind of traveler. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to book, this might be it.

From May 5 to 10, Trip.com is offering a lineup of limited-time deals, including flash sales, discount coupons, and price drops on flights, hotels, and attractions. You can even start browsing and planning as early as May 3–4 before the main sale kicks off.

Your next trip might be closer—and cheaper—than you think.

Emirates has brought back its first Airbus A380 equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, marking an upgrade in onboard internet for the airline’s flagship aircraft.

The aircraft recently returned to Dubai after installation and certification work in Newquay, UK. It’s the first A380 in the fleet to carry the new system, with more installations planned through 2026.

The upgrade replaces earlier onboard internet systems, which offered limited speeds, with Starlink’s satellite-based service. Each aircraft is fitted with three antennas, allowing passengers to browse, stream, and work during the flight. The service will be free for all passengers, regardless of cabin class.

The A380 setup is designed to handle the aircraft’s size and layout. With two decks and a large number of passengers, the system can deliver up to 2 Gbps of total bandwidth across the cabin. Compared to the airline’s Boeing 777 installations, the A380 uses additional access points and a third antenna to maintain coverage.

Emirates has already introduced Starlink on 25 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. More than 650,000 passengers have flown on those aircraft so far, according to the airline.

Installations will continue at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai as part of a wider effort to upgrade connectivity across the fleet. To date, 93 Emirates aircraft have been fully refurbished.    
   
The move is part of a broader push by Emirates to improve the onboard experience, alongside its ongoing aircraft refurbishment program, which includes updated cabins, new Premium Economy seats, and upgraded inflight systems.

The Ocean Cleanup is set to install its first Interceptor barrier in the Philippines, with deployment planned for the Meycauayan River by June 2026. The project marks the group’s first on-the-ground rollout in the Manila Bay area.

The barrier will replace an existing trash trap and is expected to improve the capture of plastic waste before it flows into Manila Bay. Estimates show the Meycauayan River system contributes around 370 to 540 tons of plastic waste each year.

The project is being carried out with the City of Meycauayan and its local environment office. For The Ocean Cleanup, it’s an initial step under its broader 30 Cities Program, which focuses on reducing plastic flowing from rivers into the ocean.

Founder and CEO Boyan Slat said the rollout is part of a longer effort to address river-based plastic pollution in the region. Meycauayan Mayor Henry Villarica said the partnership adds support to the city’s ongoing river rehabilitation work.

Across the Philippines, an estimated 20,000 to 33,000 tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. Within the Manila Bay region alone, projections range from 3,500 to 4,400 tons each year.

The Ocean Cleanup focuses on rivers as a key source of marine plastic, deploying Interceptor systems designed to collect waste before it reaches open waters. The Meycauayan project is expected to be the first of several deployments as the group expands its work with local governments and partners in the country.

More information is available at theoceancleanup.com.

At a classroom in the Philippine National School for the Blind, lessons recently went beyond academics and focused on something more immediate: staying safe online.

In March, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc., together with Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, held a three-day cyber safety workshop for visually impaired women and girls. The activity was part of their International Women’s Month initiatives.

A total of 25 participants—17 students and 8 teachers—took part in sessions covering common online risks such as phishing, scams, impersonation, and harassment. The workshop also included practical steps on protecting personal data, managing app permissions, and basic “cyber hygiene.”

“Madali po siyang maintindihan,” said Grade 12 student Rea Mae Baclle. She said she learned how to better secure her accounts and plans to be more careful about what she shares online, including using authentication tools to prevent unauthorized access.

For Grade 9 student Yhanna Corde, the topic was personal. “Importante po na maging safe tayo kahit online,” she said, noting that risks don’t only exist offline. Having experienced online harassment herself, she said she now feels more prepared to respond. “Hindi ko na po siya i-ignore. Ire-report ko na po at ipapaalam sa mga nakatatanda.”