‘Upgrade Philippines’

ONLINE buy and sell platform OLX Philippines has launched the “Upgrade Philippines” campaign to encourage at least a million Filipinos to switch to smartphones.

“OLX is excited to lead this movement that empowers Filipinos to get into the fast lane and experience how a smartphone can greatly make their lives easier. We’re at an exciting stage of mobile growth and we hope to accelerate this further with Upgrade Philippines,” said RJ David, managing director and co-founder of OLX Philippines, in a press statement.

Smartphones, according to the firm, are not just tools for information but can also empower users to contribute to the country’s growth through collaboration and participation. Upgrade Philippines is supported by the Department of Science and TechnologyInformation and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), Cherry Mobile and Globe Telecom.

The Philippines has an estimated 115 million mobile subscriptions—larger than the total population—32 million active mobile Internet users, and 36 million mobile social users.

Upgrade Philippines is aiming to persuade 10 million Filipinos to upgrade to smartphones by next year.

DOST-ICTO Deputy Executive Director Mon Ibrahim said this movement aligns with the agency’s efforts to provide free and stable Internet connectivity to more areas in the country.

The DOST has pledged that the whole country will enjoy free Internet access before the year ends. The free WiFi project, which costs the agency P1.408 billion, includes the installation of Internet infrastructure in 967 municipalities.