Digital Transformation Across Regions: Local Governments Envision Economic Growth with PDSCN Connection

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.

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

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.