By Jem Balontong
Tagbilaran City, Bohol — Eastern Communications, a leading telecommunications and ICT solutions provider in the Philippines, is set to bridge the digital divide in Bohol. The company is bringing advanced connectivity and ICT solutions to Tagbilaran City, with plans to expand to other areas on the island in the near future. This initiative is part of Eastern Communications’ broader goal of digital inclusivity and economic growth.
The official launch of the “Via Eastern” program on July 23, 2024, at the MetroCentre Hotel, marks a significant step towards supporting local businesses and propelling the province’s digital transformation journey. The event provided a platform for local businesses to gain valuable insights on digital transformation, featuring key speakers from Eastern Communications and the Bohol local government.
Expanding Reach and Supporting Local Economies
Mike Castañeda, Vice President and Head of Sales at Eastern Communications, emphasized the strategic importance of Tagbilaran City in the Visayas region, highlighting the development of the new Bohol Business Park, which is projected to create 3,000 jobs. Castañeda stated, “We see Tagbilaran City as a strategic area for growth, embracing digitization initiatives like cashless transactions.”
Eastern Communications is focusing on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large enterprises by providing access to innovative ICT solutions. Their offerings include Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS), which provide high-speed, reliable internet connectivity essential for uninterrupted business operations.
Commitment to High-Speed Connectivity
Eastern Fiber 1 offers a shared, high-speed fiber service, ideal for emerging businesses seeking affordable yet reliable internet. For enterprises requiring greater connectivity, IDS offers dedicated bandwidth speeds of up to 10Gbps, ensuring uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations. Jed Estanislao, Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing and Customer Excellence, remarked, “Reliable connectivity partnered with ICT solutions are crucial for businesses to thrive and provide the best services to their stakeholders.”
Mayor Jane Yap’s Support and Vision
Mayor Jane Yap welcomed Eastern Communications to Tagbilaran City, expressing her happiness that both private sectors and the government now have more options in terms of connectivity. “My first executive order is to implement digitalization programs not only in the city hall but throughout the entire city of Tagbilaran,” Mayor Yap announced. She also highlighted the upcoming one-stop-shop business center, which will streamline business concerns, applications, and building permits, enhancing city hall operations this year.
Mayor Yap added, “Tomorrow, I will be going to Cebu City to receive an award from BICT, recognizing our efforts in digitalization in Tagbilaran City. This aligns perfectly with the awards given to Tagbilaran City by the Bohol Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Philippines Chambers of Commerce, naming us the most business-friendly city in the entire Philippines for category three.”
Aligning with Tagbilaran City’s Vision
The expansion aligns with Tagbilaran City’s goal of becoming a premier destination for IT-BPO companies and tourism. With the city’s thriving IT-BPO sector and resurgence in tourism, Eastern Communications’ infrastructure projects are set to enhance the city’s connectivity capabilities.
Eastern Communications’ nationwide expansion includes the joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the longest undersea fiber optic cable network in the Philippines, spanning 2,500 kilometers. This project ensures high bandwidth and low latency connectivity, reinforcing Bohol’s position as a prime destination for business and leisure.
A Promising Future for Bohol
As Bohol continues to embrace digitalization, Eastern Communications is committed to supporting the province’s journey towards a prosperous and connected future. The company’s extensive portfolio includes Network Solutions, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications, all designed to help local enterprises confidently expand and succeed.
About Eastern Communications
Eastern Communications, a premier telecommunications company in the Philippines, has provided reliable connectivity and advanced business tools to enterprises and emerging businesses for 145 years. Known for its “High Tech” and “High Touch” service, the company has earned numerous accolades, including the Great Place To Work Certification™ and the Telecom Infrastructure Deployment Award at the 2024 Carrier Community Awards.