It’s not just the student-athletes who will benefit from the partnership between SMART, Cignal, and the UAAP.
SMART Communications president Al Panlilio has announced that the telecommunications giant will also provide fast internet service to the eight UAAP member schools – namely Adamson, Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the Philippines.
And SMART is not only working on giving excellent internet connection to the schools. It is also looking for a way to provide the students with pocket Wi-Fi devices, since classes are still online for the foreseeable future.
“For the schools, we are providing them Wi-Fi. All the students will be provided so that they can be competitive. We are privileged to be part of this partnership,” said Panlilio, who is also the Chief Finance Officer of PLDT.
Panlilio feels excited for what lies ahead for the UAAP after the league signed a five-year pact with the two Manny V. Pangilinan-owned companies.
As a former athlete himself, the current first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee can’t wait to help expand the league further.
“We are very excited to be in partnership with the UAAP. I used to play in the league. The UAAP has grown throughout these years,” he marveled.
Besides this, SMART is also planning to push for more content on various platforms – including streaming, a mobile application, and a dedicated website.
“This is a groundbreaking partnership for us as we expand our digital footprint. We would like to take advantage of our 5G network. What we have committed is Smart digital platforms through UAAP. Obviously, it will be inclusive to all UAAP Filipino fans. We will also develop an app for the UAAP.”
