PLDT, Smart back Mindanao newsrooms with AI tools to support ethical digital transformation

Technology such as artificial intelligence delivers the greatest impact when it strengthens public service, particularly in journalism, where accuracy, context, and credibility remain paramount. With this in mind, PLDT and Smart have extended their support to Mindanao-based media organizations by turning over AI-in-a-Box packages designed to help newsrooms navigate digital transformation in a responsible, human-led way.

The initiative equips partner media outlets with practical tools that can enhance productivity and streamline workflows while reinforcing ethical reporting standards. Each AI-in-a-Box package includes Smart 5G WiFi connectivity, load cards, and access to a premium ChatGPT subscription, enabling journalists to explore AI-assisted research, writing, and planning without compromising editorial judgment.

“The AI-in-a-Box package supports our growth by giving our newsroom practical access to AI tools as we navigate digital transformation,” said Gladys Chu, CEO of Mindanao Gold Star Daily. “These resources will help our team strengthen research, storytelling, and content planning in a responsible, human-led way. It will also assist me in analyzing our data sets to better manage the organization. For a legacy media organization of our size, this support is both enabling and well-timed.”

Joel Escovilla, Editor-in-Chief of Mindanao Times, underscored the continuity of the partnership, noting that Smart has long supported community press initiatives focused on media literacy and capacity-building. He described the AI-in-a-Box as a natural extension of that relationship, adding that the WiFi router provides critical redundancy during connectivity disruptions, while the AI tools can help scale content production for social media without sacrificing newsroom standards.

The turnover builds on earlier engagements with journalists in Cagayan de Oro and Davao, who participated in the workshop “AI in the Newsroom: Productivity, Ethics & Combating Misinformation,” led by journalist, technologist, and media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla. The session explored real-world newsroom applications of AI, including research support, fact-checking, writing and editing assistance, multimedia creation, and the responsible use of chatbot and AI writing tools.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, the initiative reflects a broader effort to expand access to digital tools for local media. By enabling Mindanao newsrooms to adopt AI thoughtfully and ethically, PLDT and Smart aim to help strengthen the country’s information infrastructure and support a more informed, accountable society.