Smart supports Mindanao fests

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications Inc. is beefing up its support for local tourism and development in Mindanao by helping promote local culture through partnerships with organizers of major festivals.

Smart recently signed an agreement with the Davao City government to be one of the sponsors of the Kadayawan Festival.

Smart is also supporting Cagayan de Oro City’s Kagay-an celebration, through a partnership with Promote CDO Foundation Inc., and General Santos City’s Tuna Fest.

“Our participation in this series of festivals in Mindanao underscores our commitment to help boost the progress of these cities not only with the most advanced wireless communication services but also through the promotion of local culture,” said Danilo Mojica, head of Smart’s Wireless Consumer Division. 

Kadayawan is held in Davao City to honor the rich culture and tradition of the lumad, or the local indigenous people, while Kagay-an highlights the attributes of Cagayan de Oro as an investment and tourism magnet. The Tuna Festival celebrates the main produce of General Santos City, fishing being its largest industry.

With millions of local and international tourists expected to participate in the festivities, Smart also announced that it continues to fortify its cellular and broadband networks in Mindanao.

“We know that our subscribers no longer just text or call. They send photos and videos of memorable experiences, such as festivals, direct from their mobile phone. They share with their online social network the goings-on through mobile Internet. We have the network with the reach and capacity to support these growing needs and wants of our subscribers, and we continue to fortify it nationwide, especially in strategic areas such as Mindanao,” Mojica said.

Smart provides cellular and broadband coverage to 1,629 cities and municipalities in the country, and Smart subscribers in Mindanao enjoy high-quality mobile and broadband services such as voice, SMS, wireless Internet, mobile banking, financial services, info-on-demand, and other value-added services, at affordable cost.

“Providing Mindanao with both basic and advanced services and creating opportunities for our subscribers there continues to be among our priorities. We are excited to contribute to the progress of the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and the rest of Mindanao,” Mojica said.