26.9 C
Philippines
Sunday, December 1, 2024

1:05 AM

26.9 C
Philippines
Sunday, December 1, 2024

1:05 AM

Digital Transformation Across Regions: Local Governments Envision EconomicGrowth with PDSCN Connection

Eastern Communications Team (From L to R: Regional Sales Division Head Anthony Co, AVP & Head of Marketing Jed
Estanislao, Executive Account Manager Deo Nazareno, and Segment Marketing Head Gian Conde) at a courtesy visit
with Cebu’s Acting City Mayor Atty. Raymond Garcia
Cebu City Government gets dedicated internet speed boost from Eastern Communications

As the Philippines undergoes digital transformation, it has become critical for local governments

to deploy reliable internet connectivity and digitalization. The Philippine Domestic Submarine

Cable Network (PDSCN) exemplifies this effort, aiming to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure.

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneering telecommunications company and ICT

solutions provider, has forged partnerships with local government units across the country.

Through the collaborative PDSCN project, they aim to drive economic growth by elevating the

country’s digital connectivity and network backbone.

Connecting Regions Through the PDSCN

The PDSCN is a joint initiative between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN

Inc. with long-term goals of fostering economic growth and bridging the digital divide. Once

completed, it will span over 2,500 kilometers of fiber cables across the Philippines. This robust

network is designed to revolutionize internet reliability and resiliency.

This advanced infrastructure is set to catalyze economic growth and digital transformation in

previously underserved and unserved regions. With the PDSCN Express Route now operational,

Eastern plans to expand its connectivity network to cater to key business regions such as Iloilo,

Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Dumaguete. Eastern formally launched

and made its services available in Tagbilaran, Bohol through its signature expansion event, Via

Eastern, in July 2024.

As local governments harness the potential of reliable internet and embrace digitalization, they

are able to deliver improved public services, enhanced communication, and sustainable

economic development. The PDSCN is not just about connectivity; it’s about empowering

communities and driving the Philippines towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Fortifying Connectivity in Cebu

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a 7.3 percent economic growth in Central

Visayas for 2023, raising its GDP to P1.381.2 trillion. Metro Cebu is the region’s top contributor,

and is also a main driver of the Philippines as a frontrunner in the ASEAN region, achieving the

highest growth of 5.7% in the first quarter of 2024. This economic surge, fueled by tourism and

business programs, increases the demand for better internet connectivity. It also supports Cebu

City’s goal of becoming a technologically advanced, inclusive, and resilient urban center.

Official contract signing ceremony of Eastern Communications’ team with Cebu IT Office representatives

Eastern Communications is empowering the local government of Cebu with its premium

Internet Direct Service (IDS), a dedicated high-speed connectivity solution. Eastern’s IDS boasts

Robust and reliable connectivity revolutionizing communication, data exchange, and

collaboration, bolstering Cebu City’s economic development and ensuring efficient governance.

“The recent partnership between Eastern Communications and the Cebu local government

offices is a significant step toward enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity within the

city,” said Cebu’s Acting City Mayor Atty. Raymond Garcia. “Advocating for better internet

connectivity aligns with Cebu City’s vision of a technologically advanced, inclusive, and resilient

urban center.”

Cebu local government’s Management Information and Computer Services (MICS) team also

noted how improved connectivity aligns with the Cebu government’s goals and initiatives which

promotes technological advancement and digitalization:

1. Enhanced Public Services: Reliable internet connectivity enables citizens to access

government services online, pay bills, and apply for permits seamlessly. Digitalization of

administrative processes reduces paperwork, enhances transparency, and improves

overall efficiency.

2. Community Inclusion: Improved internet access bridges gaps between urban and rural

areas while providing free or affordable internet in public spaces through Community

Wi-Fi promotes social inclusion and connectivity for all.

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Digitalization generates valuable data on traffic, utilities,

and public services, informing policy decisions and urban planning. Sharing data with the

public encourages innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern’s services streamline the local government’s operations and

optimize digital processes. The service helps the Cebu LGU in e-governance, fostering

community inclusion, and leveraging data-driven decision-making for smart city solutions.

Boosting Negros Occidental’s Tourism and Emergency Response

Negros Occidental enjoys robust connectivity and personalized services from Eastern Communications

Through the PDSCN, Eastern Communications now serves the local government of Negros

Occidental in Western Visayas. In 2023, the province recorded a significant tourism revenue of

P6 billion, marking a 36% increase in tourist arrivals from the previous year. As the municipality

focuses on tourism growth, Eastern is committed to providing robust and reliable internet to

support the government’s day-to-day operations and reinforce safety and communications

during emergencies and natural disasters.

“We have been using Eastern Communications’ internet services in our office for the past

months and have always been satisfied with its speed performance and no disconnection,” said

Province of Negros Occidental OIC-ICTD Jose Larry Sañor. “They offer the most competitive rates

and after-sales support to our company is great. I’m happy to recommend their services,” he

added.

Connecting the Nation

As the Philippines continues to grow into a more connected and digital-first nation, Eastern

Communications plays a crucial role as a reliable ICT solutions partner for local businesses,

working in alignment with government initiatives to advance digitalization. The telco’s support

was evident during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R.

Marcos, Jr., where Eastern served as a key connectivity provider. The telco provided its 10 GBPs

Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service) to the House of Representatives Complex during the SONA

2024. Supporting the connectivity needs during this time helped Eastern connect Filipinos from

various corners across the country and ensured the success of the event.