The next administration should prioritize the full implementation of the National Broadband Plan as a strategic national asset critical to the nation’s digital transformation and economic recovery, advocacy groups said.
Orlando Oxales, convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said the country needs a strong leadership that can go beyond linear bureaucratic thinking which slows down the disruptive but beneficial impact of digitization.
“We need enabling policies that will improve the country’s digital highways through funding support and incentives,” Oxales said. Dindo Manhit, Stratbase ADRi president, said these support for digital infrastructure will also have profound consequences on our educational system.
While the Philippines has seen an increase in the number of cell sites built since the easing of permitting processes, operationalizing these towers continues to be challenged.
“Power is an integral part in making use of these cellular sites. Some of these erected structures remain unused due to delays in securing necessary power permits. The national government needs to put pressure on key utilities operators and businesses that continue to impede the industry’s growth,” added Manhit.
Meanwhile, in a virtual town hall discussion, Manhit stressed that a stable power supply will improve business climate, attract foreign investment, and create more jobs, therefore accelerating the revival of the economy.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian cited the need to attract energy supply by reducing red tape and to diversify energy source by particularly maximizing renewable energy. “We should undertake aggressive oil and gas exploration. Oil and gas will still be a reliable source in the next 20 to 30 years,” Gatchalian said.
“Thus, the incoming government must consider energy policies that protect consumers from high electricity prices and the economy from losses caused by power outages,” he said.
