Insider Spotlight
The telecommunications and ICT solutions provider made the case during the 10th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibit (CLICKCONEX) 2026 in Naga City, where government officials, industry executives, and technology leaders gathered to discuss strategies for improving regional competitiveness and digital development.
The big picture
Co-organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), the Naga City Government, and the ICT Council of Bicol, the conference featured keynote speakers including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
Eastern Communications was among the event's featured industry speakers, highlighting the growing role of telecommunications infrastructure in supporting innovation and economic resilience.
In his presentation, "Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies," Eastern Communications chief revenue and innovation officer Edsel Paglinawan emphasized that while physical infrastructure has historically measured a nation's progress, digital infrastructure has become equally essential for connecting the Philippines to the global economy and enabling productivity and inclusive development.
Why it matters
“Whether it is building international connectivity, strengthening network resiliency, supporting hyperscaler investments, or enabling digital ecosystems, these require collaboration across the industry,” Paglinawan said in a press statement.
Paglinawan noted that telecommunications companies have evolved from providers of basic connectivity into enablers of innovation ecosystems that support businesses, digital services, and local communities. As digital adoption accelerates nationwide, he said the focus has shifted from proving the importance of digital infrastructure to ensuring that its benefits reach more Filipinos.
What's next
“At Eastern Communications, we remain committed to being partners in that journey. Because beyond connectivity, our mission is to help build stronger regions, more competitive businesses, and a more digitally empowered Philippines,” Paglinawan said.
Eastern Communications said it will continue expanding its digital infrastructure and ICT solutions portfolio to help enterprises and communities accelerate digital transformation nationwide.
The company, which has operated in the Philippines for 148 years, offers connectivity, network, security, cloud, data center, and business application solutions as it seeks to strengthen its role as a technology partner for organizations across the country. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
