With the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to improve bureaucratic efficiency, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in partnership with the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco), highlighted the strategc energization of towers at the 3rd Telco Workshop for Telco Towers’ Energization at the Meralco Operating Center, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.
Under the banner of Bagong Pilipinas, this ARTA-led initiative concurred National Government Agencies (NGAs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Independent Tower Companies (ITCs) to further underpin their collaboration with Executive Order No. 32, s. 2023 (EO 32), otherwise known as “Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Meralco Enterprise Commercial and Conglomerates Head Bernice Gretchel P. Garcia-Rama showcased the positive impact of EO32 in their economic role.
"Assessment on EO32 Impact to Energization will showcase anticipated significant improvements, reducing the energization timeline from 300 and 255 days to just 59 days from the start of application," she said.
"The acquisition of right-of-way (PROW) has been streamlined from 180 days to a mere 15 days average, with the elimination of adjacent lot owner (ALO) refusal, resulting in energization occurring within 10 to 15 days, provided all requirements are fulfilled by the telco or ITC applicant," she added.
Year 2023 also marked the highest number of energized projects by Meralco with 734 towers powered up. There has been a continued improvement on these numbers, making Meralco more optimistic for the years to come.
Relative to these developments, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez highlighted the significance of collaborations like this Telco Workshop in the advancement of interconnectivity in the country.
"With the collaboration of these key stakeholders, we are poised to overcome barriers hindering the rapid deployment of telecommunication infrastructure across the nation," ARTA Secretary Perez said. "This event is a testament to our collective dedication to create a Philippines where every community, no matter how remote, can enjoy the benefits of digital inclusion."
Meralco is the first electric company to host ARTA's series of telco workshops. The previous ones were in partnership with Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, Inc., which focused on improving the regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector.
"This event serves as a testament to Meralco's commitment to empowering every community,.. Together, let us continue this journey, knowing that our efforts today will bring a brighter future tomorrow," Meralco Assistant Vice
President and Meralco Biz Head Robert S. Galang said as he reiterated their commitment towards digitalization through energization.
EdgePoint Philippines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) William Walter also shared the importance of holding this event during his presentation.
"Providing connectivity and digital access is not just in business; I think it is a social obligation. We are here in Manila, and most of us are lucky enough to have good jobs and good access to the internet. I think we should give that to the less prosperous part of the nation to help lift them up through these initiatives," EdgePoint Philippines CEO Walter said.
ARTA executives present were Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia, and Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida.
Meralco Central Distribution Services Vice President and Head Ariel G. Lucas and National Electrification Administration (NEA) Principal Engineer Rexon M. Argana were also present to share their expertise towards the advancement of EO 32.
