MAKATI, Philippines (Jul 2026) — Finding a workplace that actually helps you grow in the age of AI is becoming the top priority for Pinoy professionals. Recent recognition from the world’s largest professional network suggests that the country’s biggest telcos are leading the way in keeping their workforce ready for the digital shift.
PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. recently received top honors at the LinkedIn Talent Awards Philippines. The awards highlight the Group’s sustained efforts to create a workplace focused on skills development and long term career growth.
Winning the brand game
PLDT and Smart were named the Best Employer Brand on LinkedIn for organizations with more than 10,000 employees. This citation points to the strength of their internal and external branding, which is built around the #MakeItMeaningful campaign launched in 2023.
Instead of sticking to standard corporate talk, the group focused on real stories from its employees. This approach resulted in engagement levels that beat global benchmarks on LinkedIn, driven entirely by staff members acting as brand ambassadors.
“These distinctions reflect the kind of workplace we aim to build: one where our people are encouraged to continuously learn, adapt to new technologies, and view change as an opportunity,” says Menardo Jimenez, Jr., the chief operating officer at PLDT. He adds that by investing in AI skills, employees can grow alongside the business and deliver more value to customers.
Preparing for the AI shift
Smart also stood out as a finalist for AI Pioneer: Learning Champion in the category for large organizations. The company is currently the only telco in the Philippines cited for its commitment to AI learning, signaling a major shift in how large employers are responding to workforce transformation.
Through digital learning platforms and structured training programs, employees are encouraged to upskill and apply AI in their daily roles. This focus is part of a broader framework called WE:CARE, which stands for Workplace Experiences that Connect, Align, Recognize, and Empower.
“As technology and industries continue to evolve, we remain focused on building future ready capabilities, strengthening leadership, and fostering an organization that enables our people to grow,” says Gina Ordoñez, the chief people officer at PLDT and Smart.
This recognition comes at a time when Pinoy companies are under pressure to reskill talent as technology reshapes traditional roles. By prioritizing technology readiness and employer branding, these organizations are treating human resources as a strategic priority rather than just an administrative one.
