Globe welcomes Mandaluyong City’s recently released resolution strongly supporting Information and Communications Technology (ICT) projects, including the rapid construction of cell sites in the area.

The technology company said the local government’s move would bring about faster and reliable connectivity in the city to further enhance the delivery of government services and the productivity of businesses and communities.

The resolution, issued by the office of Councilor Roehl B. Bacar1, which was approved and supported by Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Aguilar Abalos and the City Council,  streamlines the process and requirements for the application of permits, licenses, and clearance for the construction of telecommunication poles, underground conduit/fiber optic cable, and shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure.  

In the same document, Bacar said that resolutions from the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan and Sangguniang Barangay/Barangay Council are no longer required when telcos apply for a building permit, fire safety evaluation clearance, or locational clearance. 

The decision was made after a barangay issued a resolution prohibiting the construction and operation of cell sites within its territorial jurisdiction, impeding connectivity in the locality.  

“This development is most welcome since the fast-tracking of new cell sites, especially in the City of Mandaluyong, will boost connectivity and mobile experiences in the area. It also complements Globe's ICT initiatives in partnership with the local government that reach out to thousands of Mandalenyos,” said Joel Agustin, Globe SVP for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group.

Agustin added: “With more LGUs following the lead of the national government in easing and streamlining needed requirements for cell sites and related facilities, we are one major step closer in becoming a progressive and resilient Digital Nation.”

Globe joined hands with Mandaluyong City recently to keep its 470,000 residents safe, informed, and connected during the pandemic via free GoWiFi and Automated Mobile Blaster (AMBER) services.

With GoWiFi, Globe’s public WiFi service, the Mandaluyong City Hall and the Mandaluyong City Medical Center, as well as the general public, can conveniently continue their essential online activities and remain connected without extra cost. Through AMBER’s text blast platform, Mandaluyong City can easily send important community announcements, especially those related to COVID-19 vaccination, to multiple recipients simultaneously, regardless of the network service provider.

These innovations are made possible by network upgrades and the establishment of new cell sites. The success of these projects can be credited to the national government agencies and local government units for fast-tracking the issuance of permits to telcos. The passage of the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 on September 11, 2020, and the ARTA Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 01 s. 2020 helped spur LGUs all over the country to release a record number of permits while eliminating red tape that has caused delays in ICT infrastructure for the last several years.

For its part, Globe said it would continue to sustain its momentum as it targets to build a record number of cell sites for this year. The massive expansion program is part of the company’s commitment to providing Filipinos with world-class internet as demand for connectivity continues to grow and is projected to rise even more in 2022.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, on the importance of infrastructure and innovation as significant drivers for economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the UN Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.