PHILIPPINES – PLDT and Smart have significantly expanded their mental health advocacy through the #BetterToday program, reaching over 45 million individuals. This initiative underscores the companies’ commitment to leveraging technology for enhancing mental well-being, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3: Good health and well-being.
In 2023, PLDT and Smart collaborated with local governments, content creators, and civil society organizations, hosting health awareness events in key Philippine cities. The program’s Psychological First Aid initiative has been instrumental in supporting the mental health needs within communities, involving diverse volunteers including the youth, senior citizens, and healthcare workers.
Joy R. Ortega, a board member from La Union, praised the initiative for bolstering mental health efforts in the region. PLDT and Smart’s workplace wellness campaigns, including the Wellness Revolution Program and the Mind Your Health program, emphasize holistic well-being for their workforce of over 14,000 employees. These initiatives include fitness classes, mental health webinars, and employee engagement events.
This comprehensive approach by PLDT and Smart not only fosters digital wellness but also promotes a ‘malasakit’ culture, highlighting the role of technology in supporting mental health and community well-being in the Philippines.