ARTA Hosts 1st Telco Forum, Launches EO 32 Primer to Strengthen PH Digital Connectivity

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The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) hosted its inaugural Telco Forum and launched the Executive Order No. 32 (EO 32) Primer at the ARTA Transformation Hub, UP AyalaLand Technohub, on 20 February. The event aimed to strengthen the telecommunications sector and streamline infrastructure development.

With the theme “Securing Our Connectivity: Fortifying the PH Telecommunications Sector,” the forum tackled industry advancements, cybersecurity challenges, and the ongoing SIM registration implementation.

Globe Telecom served as a key sponsor of the Forum, reinforcing its commitment to industry growth and collaboration.

"We are grateful to ARTA for organizing the 1st Telco Forum and launching the EO 32 Primer. This initiative will accelerate the rollout of telco infrastructure, driving not just improved connectivity but also economic growth of the country,” said Karlmarx T. Rubia, Business Consulting Director for Cybersecurity and Data Analytics of Globe Business.

The event also featured an open forum where public and private stakeholders discussed a whole-of-nation approach to telecommunications reforms.

EO 32 Primer Unveiled

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez led the presentation of the EO 32 Primer, emphasizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate and simplify the construction of telecommunications infrastructure.

In his message on the EO 32 Primer, President Marcos Jr. emphasized that it will enhance telecommunications and internet infrastructure development with efficiency, clarity, and urgency.

“This document is a decisive reform that dismantles these unnecessary barriers step towards our mission to boost the development of telecommunications and internet infrastructure with efficiency, clarity, and urgency. Indeed, this primer is a clear and comprehensive guide to transformative change” – Said President Marcos jr.

The EO 32 Primer guides telecommunications companies through the simplified permitting process for infrastructure projects. It outlines EO 32’s goal of reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting digital connectivity nationwide.

It includes a step-by-step guide on application requirements and procedures, along with a FAQs section to address common stakeholder concerns.

With the EO 32 Primer, ARTA aims to guide stakeholders, including local government units (LGUs) and the private sector, in ensuring smoother compliance with streamlined regulations that support economic growth and technological advancements.

Government and Industry Stakeholders in Attendance

The forum gathered key representatives and industry leaders, including Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling Usec. Jeffrey Ian C. Dy, Assistant Secretary for Infostructure Management Asec. Phillip Varilla, and DICT Division Chief Delia E. Basada.

Also present were industry experts including Smart Communications Inc.’s Atty. Roy Cecil D. Ibay, Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs; DITO Telecommunity’s Engr. Benedicto Lacsamana, Director of Site Acquisition and Management and Network Construction and Col. Roleen Del Prado, Manager of Cyber and Information Security; and Secure Connections’ Dr. William Emmanuel S. Yu.

The event was also attended by representatives from key government agencies and the private sector, including National Privacy Commission (NPC) Director for Privacy Policy Franklin Anthony Tabaquin IV, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Head of Security Unit John Paul de Leon, and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Engineers Ruben Valeros and Imelda Walcien. Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Information and Communications Technology Organization (PICTO), and Better Internet PH also participated in the forum.

Additionally, registered Independent Tower Companies (ITCs), including Alliance Towers Corporation, EdgePoint Towers Inc., PhilTower Consortium Inc., Transcend Towers, and Unity Digital Infrastructure Inc., also attended the activity.

ARTA’s Commitment to a Digitally Connected Philippines

ARTA Deputy Director General for Operations Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia and Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida underscored the agency’s dedication to fast-tracking regulatory reforms.

With strong support from the telecommunications sector, ARTA remains committed to simplifying processes, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, and enhancing digital infrastructure in line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

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