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.

 

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