PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) Chairman and CEO, Manuel V. Pangilinan, has recently underscored his intent to grow the business beyond telco by tapping into the strengths of the whole MVP Group.
At the recently held annual shareholders’ meeting of PLDT, Pangilinan referred to newly formed DigiCo–a multi-company initiative that envisions harnessing the MVP Group’s rich data assets in an efficient, responsible, and value-accretive manner. DigiCo is owned by PLDT and other Pangilinan-led companies Meralco and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
“We believe that DigiCo’s mission can be a compelling answer to the question we’ve continuously asked ourselves, which is how to transform into a digital business that can continue offering great value to Filipinos far into the future,” Pangilinan said.
DigiCo can be a beacon of possibilities that will enable generational progress for all Filipinos. “Our data as a conglomerate–handled wisely and responsibly–can serve the most pressing needs of our country and our people,” added Pangilinan.
“Empowered with the right technology and capabilities, DigiCo has the opportunity to close the digital divide, and responsibly harness our data to connect everyone towards a shared digital future,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, Chief Commercial Officer of DigiCo.
The MVP Group possesses extensive data from services in telco, utilities, health technology, entertainment, transport, and fintech. DigiCo intends to leverage on a unified view of the Group’s customer base, allowing it to better anticipate and serve their needs through a digital-services ecosystem.
“We possess in-depth knowledge of the local market, and we understand the intricacies of the Philippine business landscape, giving us a strategic advantage in navigating challenges and opportunities that may arise,” added Abelarde.