Of all the assets of a company, people rank supreme. For PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, keeping its workforce engaged and workplace a happy space are top priorities.

57-year-old Smart Facilities Management Junior Manager Efren Nicolas Fonte or “Sir Eff” attests to this. After pulling in 28 years of service, he lays witness to how PLDT Group soared to the top. As one of the pioneering members of Smart’s workforce, he feels validated when his work is recognized.

“I am proud to be part of this company. It is an honor to stay with Smart throughout every step of this remarkable journey.”

Starting out as a Site Acquisition Officer in Manila, Fonte now handles Vismin operations of the Property Facility Management department.  Now tasked with ensuring the company’s operations are run smoothly 24/7, Fonte says the key to his longevity is “finding balance and joy in what you do.”

When Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) pummeled the Philippines,  Fonte was on-call, along with critical members of the workforce. Despite the dangers, Fonte booked the first available flight to Cebu to assist his team in restoring critical network hubs. He considers this as one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments at PLDT Group.

Looking back, Fonte cannot help but be grateful, as the blessings have immensely benefited his family. “I am thankful to have been nurtured within this company and to have been able to extend this blessing to my family because my son was one of the grantees of MVP’s Academic Excellence Awards in 2018.”

Fonte’s story is a testament to how steadfast commitment has led him to greater horizons, shaping his life as a professional and his growth as an individual. [END]