In celebration of PLDT’s 85^th anniversary, nine of its most loyal subscribers were recognized in a simple program held in Makati today.

Chosen from PLDT HOME’s Most Loyal Connections Contest conducted previously this year, the nine awardees have been PLDT subscribers since the 1960s , 70s, and 80s up to the present. They came from all over the country, with two from Metro Manila, another two from North Luzon, and one each from Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, and Zamboanga.

The most loyal subscribers received their trophies and gift certificates from PLDT officials led by President & CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, EVP and Head of Home Business Ariel P. Fermin.  Also present were SVP and HR Group Head Butch G. Jimenez, FVP and Comptroller Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

“This is our simple way of giving thanks to our subscribers who have been with us through the years. We are truly grateful that they allowed PLDT to become a part of their lives,” Nazareno said.

One of the honorees with the oldest connected line was Daria G. Gonzaga of Sta. Mesa, Manila, whose telephone was installed in 1961. She related that back in the 50s, when she was still a student, her family didn’t have a telephone at home, “I used to call one of our neighbors who had a telephone. It was very inconvenient so I asked my Mama and told her, I think it’s better if we have our own line.” When she got married, Gonzaga inherited the landline, “Since I am always at home, being a full housewife, the telephone is my bridge in communicating with my children every now and then.”

Another loyal subscriber, Laura Domingo, said: “Our original telephone line was owned by my grandmother who had it installed in the 60s, so our landline must be about 50 years old by now.” When the Internet emerged, this Pasay City resident subscribed to PLDT myDSL, the high-speed internet cable connection that runs on PLDT’s extensive phone network.

“I had myDSL installed in our reliable PLDT landline and my children are all benefiting from it. Kasi ‘yun ang ginagamit nila sa pag-aaral. Nung nag-college ang mga anak ko, ‘dun nagre-research sa myDSL. I also have an extension of that in my office.”

Also awarded were Lito Salvador from Tarlac City; Zenaida Jamilla, Boac Marinduque; and Lilia V. Cutang, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Completing the Most Loyal Subscribers list were Lourdes Javelosa, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Erlinda L. Guyo, Davao City; Irene Patajo, Zamboanga Del Sur; and Henry O. Chusuey, Molo, Iloilo.