MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is planning to spend P10 billion to build a new campus-like headquarters.
“It really depends on the cost of the property but the cost to build the building might be around P10 billion,” PLDT chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters.
Pangilinan said the new campus-like headquarters would likely be located in the southern part of Metro Manila.
In order to construct and move to a new headquarters, PLDT is looking to redevelop its current head office in the Ramon Cojuangco Building along Makati Avenue, and the Makati General Office in Legazpi Village.
As for the Smart Tower, PLDT may either redevelop or sell it.
Pangilinan earlier said PLDT’s board approved a plan to build a new campus-like headquarters more suitable for the company which is putting more focus on digital services and moving away from traditional businesses of voice calls and texts given the increasing use and importance of the internet to consumers.
At present, PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. hold office in different buildings in Makati, while digital innovations arm Voyager Innovations Inc.’s office is in Ortigas.
Apart from moving out of Makati to a new headquarters, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary also unveiled new logos.
Pangilinan said PLDT’s previous logo has become anachronistic in the digital age.
PLDT is likewise changing its name to PLDT Inc. from Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. to represent the company’s new direction.
Since its founding 88 years ago, Pangilinan said PLDT has served the people longer, and better than any other telco.
“We are committed to transforming our business. We’re committed to providing great customer experiences. We’re committed to our vision of leading and inspiring Filipinos to create a better tomorrow,” he said.
With the change, he said PLDT aims to become the digital services company of the future.
“Today, PLDT means Internet for All and Internet Everywhere,” he said.