25/08/2023
Bridging the Digital Divide for IPs: PhilTower Partners with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for Digital Roadmap
MANILA, Philippines โ The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and PhilTower Consortium Inc., a leader in Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure, recently unveiled a groundbreaking partnership in the form of the 'Digital Roadmap for Indigenous Communities'. This momentous initiative is aimed at bolstering the government's relentless efforts to uphold the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371) while taking strategic strides in the domain of digital infrastructure advancement.
PhilTower President Devid H Gubiani conveyed this initiative as PhilTower's commitment to bring connectivity to more underserved areas of the ancestral domain. "We have seen the richness of the cultural diversity in the Philippines, and we will work with various IP communities to bridge the digital divide in their ancestral domain. In this way, we also contribute to bringing the Philippines one step closer to a digitally inclusive future," said Gubiani.
"The MOU is a framework for collaboration between PhilTower and the IP Communities, which will make it easier for PhilTower to go to the ground and provide comfort to both NCIP and the IPs that we can fast track a lot of undertakings," said NCIP Chairman Allen Capuyan in his opening remarks.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) pointed out in his message of support that this initiative focused on the impact of partnership on addressing the digital divide, aligned with the direction of President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. Usec Ramos said, "This is indeed a welcome development. DICT always looks toward the direction of bringing the world closer to the people. In the words of the President, digital inclusion, nobody is left behind."
The collaboration stems from an earnest aspiration for mutual growth. It not only respects and celebrates the rich heritage and diverse cultures of our Indigenous communities but also pushes the envelope in driving judicious infrastructure progress. PhilTower Consortium Inc.'s expertise in telecommunications infrastructure coupled with NCIP's intimate understanding of the needs and aspirations of the ICCs/IPs promises a synergy that will leave a lasting impact.
PhilTower's Gubiani underscored the commitment to the MOU and the digital development of the IP Communities. "We pledge to fully use all the skills that we have within PhilTower to bring not only the vertical steel structure, but also the soft skills around that through education and upscaling program. We want to also use the existing resources near the communities to provide livelihood programs, given that all these towers need to be maintained once they are set up, while we ensure we build it in the most environmentally friendly manner, taking utmost care to protect the ancestral lands," said Gubiani.
Beyond the immediate promise of enhanced infrastructure, the collaboration is envisioned as a catalyst for a comprehensive upliftment of the cultural, social, and economic paradigms of the ICCs/IPs. This announcement sets the stage for a transformative chapter in the annals of Indigenous Peoples' progress and digital advancement in the Philippines.
RA 8371 symbolizes the nation's collective recognition, respect, and commitment to preserving the rights and promoting the welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). By fostering this partnership, both organizations are laying the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation journey, ensuring that no community is left behind.
About PhilTower: PhilTower is an Independent Tower Company in the Philippines registered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). PhilTower designs, builds and operates digital infrastructure in partnership with Mobile Network Operators (MNO). It is a joint investment between Macquarie Capital and Pan-Asian Digital Shared Infrastructure group: Global Network, Inc. With a comprehensive portfolio of deployment, PhilTower also provides innovative outdoor solutions such as camouflage sites, micro poles, green towers, and Smartpoles.
