PLDT, Smart Communications bring AI-in-a-Box to boost Baguio City smart city push

• (L-R)  Samantha Hamada, Chief of Staff, City Mayor’s Office; Elias Aoanan, Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator; Micaela Gay Rimando, Supervisor and Economist, SIGLAT – Baguio Youth Innovation Hub; Roby Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement, PLDT and Smart; Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio City; Francis Camarao, Head of Baguio City Management Information and Technology Division;  Josh Aquino, Head of Communications, Microsoft Philippines; Janine Laygo-Librea, Strategic Accounts, Lenovo Philippines

PLDT and Smart Communications are bringing artificial intelligence closer to local communities through their AI-in-a-Box initiative, with Baguio City becoming the latest local government unit (LGU) to tap AI for smarter and more responsive public services.

Backed by the group’s social outreach arm, PLDT Smart Foundation , together with Microsoft Philippines
and Lenovo Philippines, the initiative provides the Baguio City government with an AI access kit, connectivity support, mentorship, and premium AI tools designed to help accelerate the city’s digital transformation efforts.

The package includes a donated laptop, smartphone, connectivity device, and access to AI-powered platforms that can support government operations and service delivery.

“AI-in-a-Box reflects our commitment to technology for good,” said Roby A. Alampay, FVP and Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart.

“By enabling AI adoption at the community level, we aim to bridge the digital divide and create meaningful experiences that empower Filipinos to thrive in a connected society,” he added.

Beyond providing devices and connectivity, PLDT and Smart also launched an AI mentorship and acceleration program for the city government aimed at helping transform ideas into practical AI-driven solutions.

The initiative supports Baguio City’s broader digitalization roadmap, which includes the development of innovation hubs, adoption of smart systems to improve sustainability and resiliency, and expanding access to opportunities and services across communities.

Benjamin Magalong said the initiative strengthens the city’s long-term smart city ambitions.

“PLDT and Smart’s AI in a Box initiative is more than a technological gift; it is a gesture of trust in the people of Baguio. It equips our teams with the tools to innovate boldly, plan with data driven clarity, and design services that honor the dignity and needs of every resident,” Magalong said.

“This partnership strengthens our push to become a smart city and brings us closer to the long term vision of Baguio 2047—a livable, inclusive, and creative city shaped by collaboration, compassion, and smart solutions where no one is left behind,” he added.

Microsoft also introduced Microsoft Copilot to support the city government’s day-to-day operations, helping teams streamline processes, speed up workflows, and improve citizen-centered services.

“At Microsoft, we see AI as an engine for nation building. It helps local governments work smarter, make decisions faster, and deliver better services to citizens,” said Jonathan Que.

“Partnerships like this matter because they keep AI grounded in real community needs, built on trust, and accessible to more people. This is how we move toward a more innovative and future ready Philippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lenovo highlighted the importance of equipping LGUs with accessible technologies that can turn innovation into practical solutions for communities.

“At Lenovo, we believe technology becomes most meaningful when it helps people with access to solve real problems and create better outcomes for their communities,” said Michael Ngan.

“Lenovo’s support to AI-in-a-Box is part of our larger effort to provide access to Smarter AI for All. We are proud to support Baguio City with access to technology that can help turn ideas into action through innovation,” he added.

PLDT and Smart said Baguio City joins Cebu City and Lanao del Sur among LGUs being supported in developing AI-driven solutions aimed at improving public services and everyday life for residents.

The companies added that the initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which promotes innovation, resilient infrastructure, and responsible use of digital technologies.