The Impact of Eastern Communications' Support on Digital Inclusivity in the Philippines

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recently backed the innovative Bayang Digital initiative, a project aimed at improving digital infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Philippines. Eastern Communications is the leading telecommunications provider in the country.

The DICT's "Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas" campaign, launched in time for National ICT Month, envisions a country where digital connectivity connects everyone, emphasizes cyber safety, simplifies government services through technology, and fosters innovation and growth opportunities for every Filipino.

By assisting government initiatives and promoting economic growth with its cutting-edge connectivity solutions, Eastern Communications hopes to create a society that is inclusive of all people through technology.

"We at Eastern Communications are pleased to assist the DICT with its Bayang Digital project. Edsel Paglinawan, vice president and head of product and innovation at Eastern Communications, stated, "We think that information and communication technology is the cornerstone of a flourishing digital nation, and by working together, we can empower Filipinos to participate fully in the opportunities of the digital industry."

Advancing national ICT development

The Bayang Digital initiative aims to support public appreciation of Filipino ICT accomplishments, encourage active contributions from academia and the private sector to advance national information and communication technology (ICT) development, and encourage public feedback to shape the national ICT agenda.

In order to create a more effective and accessible system, it also promotes the adoption and usage of digitally changed government services.

The government's digital transformation journey is characterized by notable initiatives like establishing programs like the Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA), which aims to reduce the gender gap in the digital workforce and promote inclusivity in the industry, and transforming important cities into centers of excellence for the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry. DICT Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, brought up an important statistic during an exclusive interview for Eastern Communications' "Thoughts on Tech" podcast series: only a small percentage of women—between 29% and 30%—work in the ICT sector in the Philippines, with percentages falling below 16% in other nations.

The DICT's other mandate is to ensure that connectivity is inclusive and that everyone has universal access to it. "I want to position the Philippines as a frontrunner in the discourse surrounding digital inclusion," Atty. Sigue Jocelle Batapa.

Creating digital jobs outside of Metro Manila, disseminating the Philippine Skills Framework, and developing people to fill positions in the digital economy are some of the other activities.

ICT initiatives for a digitally inclusive future

Eastern Communications is a forward-thinking telecommunications firm that actively contributes to the country's digital advancement efforts with strategic alliances, educational programs, and customized ICT solutions. Eastern Communications is committed to being a Partner in Progress, advancing the country's digital advancement and economic success. This is further evidenced by its commitment to building a more digitally savvy, secure, and connected society.

Paglinawan continued, "We think that true progress is achieved through collaboration and innovation." "We're dedicated to enabling Filipinos from all backgrounds to actively participate in the digital revolution and contribute to a more connected Philippines through our ICT initiatives and partnerships."

The telecom company's initiatives have a big impact on the nation's digital transformation process. Its extensive portfolio of digital solutions, which includes managed IT services, cloud and data center services, high-speed business-grade internet, cybersecurity solutions, and more, is designed to satisfy a variety of corporate needs.

Eastern Communications acknowledges the value of ICT literacy as well. This led to the establishment of a number of educational programs that improve public and business awareness of ICT, including the enablement sessions "Access Eastern," "Transcend," "Sandbox Sessions," and the most recent "Thoughts on Tech" podcast series. The first guests on Thoughts on Tech, which is hosted by broadcast journalist and news presenter Danie Laurel, are tech specialists from DICT, Tonik Digital Bank, Mineski Global, and Eastern Communications. Visit www.youtube.com/@easterncommph to view the entire series.