In order to facilitate a more smooth rollout of telecom infrastructure across the country, PLDT Inc., a leading integrated telco network, and its wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), are advocating for deeper involvement with homeowners’ associations (HOA).
Homeowners Association (HOA) representatives from Metro Manila and surrounding areas met with representatives from the government and telcos at a recent forum organized by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development through the Homeowners Association and Community Development Bureau (DHSUD-HOACDB) in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to discuss issues and concerns surrounding cell sites, as well as the policies and permitting processes covering the rollout of telco facilities within residential communities.
The forum is the first major rollout of the recently signed Executive Order No. 32 entitled “Streamlining the Permitting Process for the Construction of Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure.”
As part of the Group’s commitment as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar, led by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, this engagement is in line with PLDT and Smart’s support for the Government’s nationwide digitalization push to bring the benefits of the internet to more communities through the continuous enhancement of the Group’s integrated fixed and wireless networks.
Reiterating the national government’s assertion that digitalization is an imperative rather than a luxury, ARTA also commended DHSUD for leading this innovative endeavor and mentioned partner agencies’ efforts to complete the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Executive Order No. 32.
In attendance at the aforementioned forum were representatives from the following agencies: the Department of Health (DOH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and telecom and tower businesses.
