Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

HEADLINES

PLDT, Smart push for tighter collaboration with HOAs, gov’t for faster telco rollout

PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) are pushing for closer engagement with homeowners’ associations (HOA) for a more seamless rollout of telco facilities nationwide.

PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) are pushing for closer engagement with homeowners’ associations (HOA) for a more seamless rollout of telco facilities nationwide.

In a recent forum organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development through the Homeowners Association and Community Development Bureau (DHSUD-HOACDB) in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), HOA representatives from Metro Manila and nearby regions met with representatives from government and telcos to discuss issues and concerns around cell sites, as well as the policies and permitting processes covering the rollout of telco facilities within residential communities.

The forum is the first major rollout of the recently signed Executive Order No. 32 entitled “Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure.”

“Digitalization has simplified the way we provide government services to the public. This is why forums such as this are a good starting point in supporting and realizing the vision that President Marcos has for our country, and that is to build a Digital Philippines,” said DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Anthony Louen R. Fernandez, Senior Manager from Smart’s Regulatory Affairs office, likewise emphasized the importance of digitalization for communities.

“We need connectivity in all aspects of our lives–inside our homes, at work and in school. We also turn to the internet to accomplish our chores and errands, as well as for rest and recreation,” Fernandez said, adding that connectivity also enables various emergency communications channels in times of disaster, such as the Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) and emergency hotlines such as 911.

“To deliver these benefits, we must have enough number of cell sites in strategic locations to cover the entire country,” he said.

Fernandez also presented a video addressing concerns about the safety of cell sites, backing points made by representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who also joined the forum.

DHSUD HOA Summit.png
The forum, organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development through the Homeowners Association and Community Development Bureau (DHSUD-HOACDB) in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), gathered HOA representatives from Metro Manila and nearby regions and representatives from government and telcos, and is the first major rollout of the recently signed Executive Order No. 32 entitled “Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure.”

This engagement is aligned with PLDT and Smart’s support for the Government’s nationwide digitalization thrust to bring the benefits of the internet to more communities through the continuous enhancement of the Group’s integrated fixed and wireless networks, and forms part of the Group’s commitment as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar, represented by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.

Echoing the national government’s line that digitalization is no longer a luxury but a necessity, ARTA also hailed DHSUD for spearheading this pioneering effort, as well as cited the efforts of partner agencies to finalize the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of EO No. 32.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“The presence of our stakeholders from local government, private sector, and then telco industry is a signal that everyone is very eager to work with each other. This is no longer just a whole-of-government effort. It’s already a whole-of-society effort. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and see a Philippines where everyone will be able to participate in the digital economy,” said ARTA Director Marbida L. Marbida.

Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and telecommunications and tower companies were present in the said forum.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Like Us On Facebook

You May Also Like

HEADLINES

With the theme "From Milestones to Horizons: Strengthening the Future of the Legal Profession", the biennial event drew an audience of around 4,000 lawyers...

HEADLINES

The certification validates that the said infrastructure was able to meet stringent design standards for redundancy, maintainability, and uptime reliability.

HEADLINES

The representatives discussed enhancing financial access for all Filipinos through the promotion of financial inclusion and education. Additionally, they explored strategies to enhance consumer protection by...

HEADLINES

Supporting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) move to shift away from One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to mitigate fraud, Silent Authentication offers a more secure and...

HEADLINES

The agreement outlines the SIA Group’s intention to procure neat SAF for five years when Aether plants begin commercial production, with an option for...

HEADLINES

While PCTO is one with the government in efforts to provide equitable connectivity, it warns that the proposal, in its current form, would prove...

HEADLINES

Globe’s commitment in AI reflects these findings, according to Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief AI Officer: "The integration of generative AI is central to our...

HEADLINES

The framework, developed in partnership with six innovators across the QRNG field, addresses the need for multi-vendor interoperability across the industry and enables organizations...

Advertisement