By Brian Campued
“The future of the Philippines must be and will be digital—and it must be inclusive.”
As part of the administration’s push for inclusive digital transformation nationwide, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Globe Telecom and Starlink Services in Taguig City on Friday.
In a speech, the President hailed the partnership as key to boosting digitalization efforts and expanding mobile connectivity across the country, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where traditional internet infrastructure remains “challenging”.
“We cannot speak of progress when so many parts of our country remain disconnected. And this is why digital inclusion is important. It is a responsibility. And it is a key priority of this government,” he said.
Dubbed “Next Generation Connectivity: Every Filipino Connected,” the Globe-Starlink tie-up launched the first Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service in Southeast Asia, enabling satellite-powered mobile connectivity in the Philippines.
This means that users will be able to access messaging and basic data even in areas without cell sites, such as in mountainous terrains, islands, or remote communities; and without the need for additional hardware or special applications.
The President also noted DTC’s potential during typhoons and other natural disasters when traditional networks are disrupted.
“Sa pamamagitan ng [DTC] Service, madaragdagan ang mga teknolohiyang maaaring magbigay-ginhawa sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay,” he said.
Marcos Jr. likewise reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure through initiatives such as the National Fiber Backbone, Free Wi-Fi for All Program, and the digitalization of government services.
“Ito po ang ating layunin: Mas mabilis na internet access para sa bawat Pilipino. Pantay-pantay na oportunidad. At walang sinumang Pilipino na maiiwanan o mahuhuli,” he emphasized.
“Because when connectivity reaches the countryside, it generates jobs, attracts investments, and brings essential services closer to the people,” he added.
Meanwhile, the President acknowledged both Globe and Starlink, including its parent company SpaceX, for their respective contributions in continuously shaping the Philippine digital landscape.
He likewise called on other partners and stakeholders to keep on developing people-centered innovations and join the government in building a “Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino finds their place in this new digital world.”
“What Globe and Starlink are doing today brings us closer to that goal. It shows that when the government and private sector move with purpose and shared commitment, we broaden the possibilities for a more connected Philippines,” he said.
-av
