PLDT Home, the country’s leading digital services provider, reaffirmed its strong commitment to empowering Filipino homes through future-ready connectivity and customer-focused innovation in Pampanga. This commitment was emphasized during a recent engagement with the Pampanga Press Club, where PLDT Home’s newly appointed Senior Vice President and Head for Consumer Home Business and Sales & Development John Palanca shared his vision for the brand. Meanwhile, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., spoke on the convergence of 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how PLDT sees this as the engine of the telco industry’s future. The gathering — attended by esteemed Pampanga Press Club members including President Noel Tulabut and President Emeritus Max Sanguil – underscored PLDT Home’s continued investment in Pampanga and its long-standing partnership with the province.
A New Chapter: John Palanca’s Vision for Future-Ready Filipino Homes
John Palanca, Senior Vice President and Head for Consumer Home Business, and Sales & Development
In his first public engagement as PLDT Home’s new head, John Palanca expressed both excitement
and humility in taking the helm.
“My vision for PLDT Home is simple: to empower every Filipino home with future-ready and truly
customer-centric connectivity,” Palanca said. “We want PLDT Home to stand for reliability,
innovation, and exceptional customer experience. My passion comes from seeing how a reliable
internet connection can transform lives – from education to livelihood.”
Palanca highlighted Pampanga as a key growth area for PLDT. “We recognize the province’s
strategic importance and vibrant potential. That is why we have made significant investments in
digital infrastructure here. Pampanga is 100% fiber-powered,” he shared.
PLDT Home continues to expand its fiber footprint, enhance technologies, and deliver robust,
resilient services to support homes, businesses, and schools throughout the region.
“Ang Pampanga ay tahanan ng napakaraming pamilya, kultura at negosyo, at kami sa PLDT Home
ay patuloy na magiging katuwang ninyo dito,” Palanca added.
Demonstrating PLDT’s broader commitment to meaningful connections, Palanca also cited a recent
initiative offering free International Direct Dial (IDD) calls from the Philippines to Iran and Israel
(via PLDT landlines) until June 30, 2025, to help families stay connected amid regional conflicts.
“In moments like these, the power of a simple call—of hearing a loved one’s voice—means
everything,” Palanca emphasized.
5G and AI: The Future Engine of Telecom
Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer
Adding a strategic context to the company’s direction, Jimenez, shared insights from his keynote at
the 2025 Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, where he outlined PLDT’s leading role in driving
innovation through the convergence of 5G and AI.
Jimenez articulated PLDT’s evolution from a traditional connectivity provider to a catalyst for next-
generation, cross-industry solutions, enabling digital transformation through the Philippines’
largest data center network and offering GPU services essential for AI processing. He outlined
PLDT’s three-pronged strategy for 5G-AI leadership: building smarter infrastructure, collaborating
boldly through strategic partnerships, and relentless internal training and upskilling programs to
ensure the workforce is ready to lead in the age of intelligent connectivity.
Media as Indispensable Partner
Both leaders recognized the essential role of the media in communicating the impact of technology
on Filipino lives.
“We consider the media as indispensable partners in telling the PLDT Home story,” Palanca shared.
“Together, we help the public understand how digital services can uplift families and communities.”
PLDT Home emphasized its continued commitment to open dialogue with the press.
“I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead for PLDT Home, especially the future we will build
together with the dynamic communities of Pampanga. Dacal a salamat pu (Many thanks),” Palanca
concluded.