PLDT, Smart enact biodiversity policies

MANILA, Philippines — Telco giant PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. are putting in place policies that aim to integrate protection measures and minimize potential environmental damage of their business operations and value chain activities.

In a stock exchange filing, PLDT said the company and Smart have established policies to conserve biodiversity, prevent net deforestation and support nature-based solutions as they continue to expand presence and roll out network infrastructure across the country.

The policies were guided by a consultation workshop with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau and an assessment of their business impact and dependency on nature.