Telco Eastern Communications Launches in Calbayog City, Samar

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, has officially launched its services in Calbayog City, Samar, extending its network and digital services across Eastern Visayas.

The milestone was celebrated through the company’s signature “Via Eastern” event held on October 15, 2025, at Baypark Hotel, Calbayog, gathering local business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders to explore how Eastern is driving digital transformation and enabling inclusive growth in the region.

Local officials and partner organizations, including Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and ICT Council President Nancy Lanuza, joined the Via Eastern Calbayog celebration, recognizing Eastern’s contribution to advancing the city’s development agenda and promoting technology-driven progress across Samar.

"It is with great pride and excitement [that I join] today's launch of Eastern Communications, a new [telco] player in our city. We know that connection should not only be faster, but it needs to be stable with the modern digital era at this time. Congratulations to Eastern Communications and thank you for helping move our city forward,” said Calbayog City Mayor Hon. Raymund Uy.

Driving digital growth in Samar’s emerging business hub

The expansion underscores Eastern Communications' commitment to bridging digital gaps and empowering emerging business cities nationwide. As part of its strategy to strengthen regional presence, Eastern Communications identified Calbayog as a key business city in its joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the largest submarine cable infrastructure project in the country. The PDSCN Express Route is made up of 80% undersea cables, allowing it to deliver resilient and reliable connectivity and bring world-class telecommunications services to more Filipinos.

As Calbayog positions itself to become a premier economic, ecological, and tourism center in Samar, Eastern Communications' entry will play a vital role in building the city’s ICT backbone. The telco will provide advanced business connectivity services, including Eastern Fiber 1 shared internet and Internet Direct Service (IDS) dedicated connectivity. These solutions are designed to empower local MSMEs, agribusinesses, retail enterprises, and hospitality establishments to thrive in the digital economy.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern Communications will also offer a complete suite of ICT solutions such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Center Services, and Business Applications. These tools enable enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer engagement.

“Our expansion to Calbayog aligns with Eastern Communications’ vision to strengthen our presence across the Visayas region,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer. “By making Calbayog our entry point to reach more areas in Samar, we aim to empower local communities and businesses with resilient and reliable internet services. Through our strong connectivity and comprehensive ICT solutions, we’re committed to helping the region thrive and support the country’s digital growth.”

Eastern’s services are expected to benefit Calbayog’s key industries, starting with agribusiness, where reliable connectivity will support operations across farming, processing, and logistics. The trade, retail, and services sector will also gain from improved efficiency and business continuity through dependable internet and ICT solutions. Meanwhile, the hospitality and tourism industry will be strengthened as hotels, restaurants, and tourist destinations enhance their guest experience and digital access, helping promote Calbayog as a vibrant destination for both local and international visitors.

With over 145 years of expertise, Eastern Communications remains steadfast in its mission to deliver “High Tech” and “High Touch” solutions that empower enterprises and communities. As it continues to expand its reach one city at a time, the company reaffirms its commitment to building a digitally empowered Philippines where progress and connectivity go hand in hand.

For more information on Eastern Communications’ products and services, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

DTI Secretary Pascual Distributes Assistance to Small Businesses in Samar and Pampanga

On 17 July 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. together with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual led the opening of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Caravan and the distribution of financial assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province of Pampanga. As part of the program, President Marcos witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by different government agencies to expand the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in various Local Government Units (LGUs).

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to provide high-quality and affordable agricultural products to Filipino consumers. Meanwhile, the distribution of financial assistance aims to aid small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, calamities, and disasters to help them recover and restart their businesses.

The said MOA was signed by different government agencies that were part of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo namely: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and Presidential Management Staff (PMS).

Following the Kadiwa ng Pangulo conducted in Catarman, Samar last 14 July 2023, the simultaneous opening of Kadiwa Caravans only shows the administration's unwavering commitment to ensure every Filipino's access to affordable goods.

Aside from this, the Kadiwa is instrumental in expanding the market reach of products and services produced by MSMEs that are also supported by the DTI. Through this program, MSMEs were given spaces or booths where they can sell their products.

Together with President Marcos Jr., Secretary Pascual expressed strong support and cooperation of the DTI in expanding the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in different areas of the country. Kadiwa is also an important aspect in pursuit of the goal of attaining food security.

Through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Catarman, the DTI distributed assistance to four (4) beneficiaries of the RISE UP Micro Multi-Purpose Loan Program which received PHP 300,000 each. The DTI also provided financial assistance to one (1) beneficiary of the Wholesale Microfinance Program amounting to PHP 3,500,000. In total, the DTI was able to distribute financial assistance amounting to PHP 4,700,000 to the residents and small businesses in Samar.

Further, sixteen (16) beneficiaries of the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program in San Fernando, Pampanga received PHP 11,900 each. Aside from this, seven (7) beneficiaries of the RISE UP Micro Multi-Purpose Loan Program received assistance amounting to PHP 6,351,000. In total, the DTI granted financial assistance to small businesses in San Fernando, Pampanga amounting to PHP 6,541,400. The ceremonial distribution of various government assistance today was held at the Benigno Aquino Hall in the capitol of San Fernando.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo will simultaneously open in different parts of the country through the collective efforts of different agencies involved in the MOA signed today.

“As part of our mandate to ensure every Filipino's access to affordable and high-quality basic necessities and prime commodities, we at DTI will continue to work collaboratively with different government agencies to strengthen and expand the Kadiwa ng Pangulo. I express my deepest gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for this Kadiwa as this also helps MSMEs promote their products and reach wider markets,” Secretary Pascual added.