Para athletes advocate for mental resilience, inclusivity, and sports with PLDT and Smart

To celebrate this year’s World Mental Health Day, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue their advocacy to champion mental health and wellness through sports with the Better Today: Power Move Project.

In partnership with the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and Football for Humanity (FFH), PLDT and Smart have organized the third Better Today: Power Move Project. But this year’s campaign has been made more special because the storytellers are athletes with disabilities and personalities from Obstacle Course Racing, football, among many others – who embody the true meaning of persistence, bravery, and mental resilience.

“As Filipinos, our love for sports helps strengthen the belief that anything is possible. It defines what true greatness is all about. These athletes, in their own extraordinary ways, have underscored the important message of how sports do not discriminate. Instead, sports instill a deep sense of community and solidarity,” said Jude Turcuato, PLDT and Smart FVP and Head of Sports, and MVPSF Executive Director.

A fundamental part of the telco’s advocacy on digital wellness, the Better Today: Power Move Project has reached over 15 million social media reach since launching the program in 2021, featuring various athletes backed by PLDT, Smart, and MVPSF and advocacy partners.

“In PLDT and Smart, through sports and mental resilience, it is our goal to help cultivate a culture of empathy and safe spaces. By creating a more inclusive community, we become champions of a better, safer, and more resilient world and a better tomorrow which starts today,” added Turcuato.

The Power Move Project is also a continuing effort to inspire the Filipino youth to become better citizens and help in the fight against discrimination and abuse.

“Through this project, we want to prompt a social change and hopefully, help break down barriers by promoting a culture of solidarity and inclusivity through sports,” said Belle Tiongco, VP and co-founder at Football for Humanity.

Making this year’s Better Today: Power Move Project more inclusive is a step toward PLDT and Smart’s push to empower people with disabilities.

PLDT and Smart have recently partnered with non-profit organization ATRIEV to train people with visual impairments in using the Android Accessibility Suite program so that they can maximize the use of their smartphones for daily living.

“PLDT and Smart have long championed digital inclusion, accessibility and innovation. Together with our partners, we support inclusive programs that break barriers and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

Beyond sports, PLDT and Smart’s Better Today program has also partnered with local governments, organizations, youth leaders, educational institutions, and social media influencers nationwide to advocate for mental health awareness and train frontliners in psychological first aid. Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart seek to uplift and improve the overall digital wellness of Filipinos, underscoring the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN Sustainable Development Goals #3: Good Health and Well-Being.

Catch the Power Move Project on Better Today’s Facebook and Instagram.