Smart expands mobile network in La Trinidad

• STANDING L-R: Coun. Horacio A. Ramos Jr., Coun. Jayson C. Dangwa, Coun. Teddy C. Walang, Coun. Renato B. Tereng, Coun. Nestor T. Fongwan Jr., Coun. Atty. Bartolome L. Baldas Jr, Coun. Jonie S. Puroc, Coun. Belmer G. Elis, Victorio R. Costes Jr., VP for Network Build and Implementation, Rudyard A. Ranjo, AVP for Network Service Operations, Mark Lester C. Mañosca, VP for Network Build and Implementation SEATED L-R: Coun. Councilor Tyrone T. Diaz, Vice Mayor Atty. Guiller A. Galwan, Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, Debbie M. Hu, Smart FVP for Network Build and Implementation, Ariel Medina, VP for Network Service Operations

Smart Communications Inc. is expanding its mobile network in La Trinidad, Benguet, as part of efforts to improve connectivity in the Cordillera region’s key commercial and agricultural hub.

The telecommunications company recently signed an agreement with the La Trinidad local government to build additional network infrastructure in strategic areas across the municipality.

Smart has also deployed a portable cellular site in La Trinidad’s central business district to increase network capacity and improve mobile services in the area.

“Additional sites will help improve our coverage in La Trinidad and provide residents with more reliable service,” said Debbie M. Hu, Smart first vice president for Network Build and Implementation.

Hu said the expansion supports the company’s goal of providing Filipinos with access to fast and reliable connectivity.

La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan said the network improvements could benefit students, local businesses, and residents who depend on mobile connectivity for information and everyday transactions.

“These improvements will help our constituents stay better connected,” Awingan said. “Our students can access information more easily, our business owners can transact more efficiently, and our people can stay connected and get the information they need.”

Stronger connectivity could help businesses in the municipality use digital services for payments, communications, marketing, order processing, and customer support. It could also help the local government provide faster and more efficient public services.

La Trinidad serves as an important trading center for agricultural products in the Cordillera Administrative Region, which supplies about 70% of the Philippines’ temperate vegetables.

Benguet, known as the country’s “salad bowl,” is a major producer of highland crops such as cabbage and potatoes. La Trinidad’s wholesale trading posts receive produce from farmers across Benguet and neighboring areas for distribution to markets as far north as Batanes and as far south as Mindanao.

The municipality is also home to the main campus of Benguet State University. Its Teacher Education program is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as a Center of Excellence, while its Agriculture and Nutrition and Dietetics programs are designated Centers of Development.

Smart said the network expansion forms part of its continued investments in telecommunications infrastructure and its support for the government’s digitalization efforts.

The initiative also contributes to the PLDT Group’s efforts toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.