Multimedia provider PLDT, through its global arm PLDT Global, recently announced its expansion efforts in tapping the global Filipino market with a strategic partnership with leading electronics company Samsung and retail giant SM Supermalls.

Through PLDT Global’s Smart Pinoy Stores abroad and through its online portal, https://store.smartpinoy.com, PLDT will carry Samsung’s domestic appliances and electronics product lines that will allow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) anywhere in the world to pay directly and have the items delivered to their loved one’s  anywhere in the country. Filipinos abroad would just have to log in online or transact in any Smart Pinoy Store outlet, select their Samsung item of choice, and pay for the item online, saving them the hassle of sending bulky packages and added costs.

“We are very excited for this partnership that will not only help us tap the growing market of Filipinos abroad but also allows them to conveniently purchase their products of choice for their families here,” said PLDT EVP and Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Eric R. Alberto.

For SM, SM gift certificates will also be made available for purchase in the Smart Pinoy Stores for overseas Filipinos, allowing their loved ones to just pick up the vouchers in all SM branches nationwide. The retail giant will also provide privilege cards to the first 1,000 Smart Pinoy Store subscribers and buyers giving them access to perks and special discounts at SM Supermalls Global Pinoy centers in all 35 SM branches nationwide, its specialized all-in-one convenience stop for OFWs.

“And with our newest partners for the Smart Pinoy Stores, we are confident that we will be able to showcase our #expressALAGA brand for our OFWs,” Alberto adds.

The Smart Pinoy Store lets OFWs conveniently purchase call and text loads, pay utility bills, educational plans, medical services, and other available goods for their families in the Philippines. The tie up expands the Smart Pinoy Store offerings that allows OFWs to purchase Samsung products including tablets, refrigerators, air conditioning units, smart TVs, and washing machines to directly send to their loved ones at discounted prices.

“We welcome this partnership as it gives us the opportunity to offer Samsung’s range of products to our overseas Filipinos who would want to provide the latest gadgets and appliances for their families,” said Samsung Electronics Philippines’ President and CEO Chung Lyong Lee.

The online portal has been an aggressive stream for the PLDT Global unit reporting over 4M site hits last year, drawing traffic mostly coming from Australia and Asian destinations with strong Filipino communities like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia.

PLDT Global plans to increase its market reach with Samsung and SM’s addition to the Smart Pinoy Store as there has been an increase in activity among OFWs with online payments stores.