Eastern Communications Highlights Digital Infrastructure as Driver of Regional Growth at CLICKCONEX 2026

NAGA CITY — Eastern Communications underscored the role of digital infrastructure in accelerating regional development during the 10th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibit (CLICKCONEX) 2026.

Co-organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), the Naga City Government, and the ICT Council of Bicol, the conference brought together leaders from government, industry, and the technology sector to discuss digital development and regional competitiveness.

The event featured a distinguished roster of keynote speakers, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan. 

As one of the conference’s keynote speakers, Eastern’s Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, Edsel Paglinawan. Paglinawan discussed how telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from a basic utility into a strategic enabler of innovation, economic growth, and regional digital transformation. 

In his presentation, "Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies," Paglinawan said a nation's progress has traditionally been measured through physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports that connect people and commerce. Today, he said, digital infrastructure has become equally critical, enabling the country to connect with the global economy and supporting innovation, productivity, and inclusive regional development.

“Whether it is building international connectivity, strengthening network resiliency, supporting hyperscaler investments, or enabling digital ecosystems, these require collaboration across the industry,” Paglinawan mentions. 

As technology continues to evolve, telecommunications companies are the frontliners witnessing how digital infrastructure has transformed from a utility into a growth engine, enabling economic resilience and regional competitiveness. More than connecting people and businesses, telecommunications now empower innovation ecosystems, expand access to digital services, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. For Eastern Communications, the challenge is no longer proving the value of digital infrastructure but ensuring that its benefits are accessible to every Filipino. 

“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,” said Paglinawan.  

Eastern Communications continues to expand its digital infrastructure and ICT solutions to help businesses and communities accelerate digital transformation across the Philippines.

To learn more about how Eastern Communications is helping organizations build future-ready digital infrastructure, visit www.eastern.com.ph. 

PLDT Global, U.S.-Based Next Generation Advanced 911 Bring Advanced Emergency Communications System to PH

PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global) is enabling United States-based technology solutions provider Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) to help boost emergency response systems in the Philippines with advanced technology, delivered through the nationwide PLDT network infrastructure. PLDT Global is the international unit of PLDT Inc. 

Under the partnership, NGA 911 will be able to provide its NG9-1-1 solution to Philippine customers like LGUs and public safety teams. NG9-1-1 is an IP-based emergency communications system that aims to improve emergency response by enabling callers to send text, photos, and videos to 911 centers, as well as receive real-time data on the location and status of responders. With NG9-1-1, responders can gain access to precise and comprehensive information regarding emergency situations, leading to expedited and enhanced response capabilities.

 

"We are excited to partner with PLDT Global to bring the NG9-1-1 platform to the Philippines,” says Don Ferguson, CEO of NGA 911. “NG9-1-1 will transform the practice of emergency communications and response in the Philippines. We have delivered this solution to public safety agencies across the United States.  Soon, Philippine customers can gain access to NGA 911’s advanced emergency communication technologies that are currently only available in the United States. We look forward to working with PLDT Global to make this a reality.”

 

“With PLDT’s extensive network and digital expertise, we hope to make this technology accessible to Filipinos and create an opportunity for the Philippines to be a 911 hub in Asia,” says Roselle Dela Cruz, Vice President - Americas and EMEA of PLDT Global.

 

Apart from servicing the needs of overseas Filipinos, PLDT Global is also committed to bringing international solutions to the Philippines. This opens more opportunities for the country to deliver the technology needs of the global market, by leveraging on the PLDT group’s digital infrastructure.

 

"We are here to provide innovative platforms to our global network of carriers and enterprise customers, linking them to potential clients who might need their services not only overseas, but also in the Philippines. Through this partnership, we hope to deliver world-class next-generation 911 services to local public safety agencies and emergency responders,” says Albert Villa-Real, PLDT Global President and CEO.

 

Photo: (Left) Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global Corporation and (Right) Don Ferguson, CEO and Co-Founder at NGA 911

This PLDT Global initiative contributes to PLDT’s broader goal of enabling the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and boosting its ambition to become the hyperscaler hub of the region and a key destination for digital transformation and investment.

 

For more information, visit www.nga911.ph