Bohol improves, expands internet services in bid to boost tourism

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TAGBILARAN CITY – Bohol, which was named as “global geopark” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has improved its connectivity service in a bid to boost tourism and welcome more investors.

Eastern Communications, the country’s pioneering telecommunications company and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider for 145 years, has launched a program to support the internet requirements of the province.

“We want to assure you that we are offering the best technology that you can find in the market,” said Mike Castatieda, vice president and head of sales at Eastern Communications during the “Via Eastern” launch event on Tuesday night, July 23.

“We see Tagbilaran City as a strategic area for growth in the Visayas region, embracing digitization initiatives like cashless transactions and the development of the new Bohol Business Park, which is projected to generate 3,000 jobs,” he added.

The event was attended by Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap, Board Member Aldner Damalerio; lawyer Lucas Nunag, chairman of Provincial Tourism Council; Engr. Albert Uy, chairman of Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and members of the Bohol ICT Council.

Eastern Communications focuses on bridging the digital gap and empowering local businesses through its innovative ICT solutions.

READ: Bohol welcomed more than a million tourists in 2023

The expansion will provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large enterprises in Bohol with access to Eastern’s fast and reliable connectivity services such as Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS).

Eastern Fiber 1 offers a shared, high-speed fiber service that ensures optimal performance during peak office hours, making it an ideal choice for emerging businesses seeking affordable yet reliable internet.

For enterprises requiring greater connectivity, IDS provides dedicated bandwidth speeds to ensure uninterrupted and round-the-clock operations.

“Reliable connectivity partnered with ICT solutions are crucial for businesses to thrive and provide the best services to their stakeholders,” said Jed Estanislao, assistant vice president and head of marketing and customer excellence at Eastern Communications.

“Our full suite of internet and ICT solutions can be packaged to meet the unique requirements of each type of business, ensuring dependable and customized tech services for Boholanos,” he added.

Eastern Communications’ ICT solutions include Network Solutions, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. These digital tools are essential for local enterprises to confidently expand and lead their businesses to success.

READ: Panglao, Bohol among top 10 trending travel destinations for 2024

Eastern Communications’ arrival at Bohol follows its nationwide expansion through the joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the longest undersea fiber optic cable network in the Philippines, spanning 2,500 kilometers.

This strategic infrastructure investment ensures Bohol’s high bandwidth and low latency connectivity, solidifying the province’s position as a prime destination for business and leisure.

“We are proud to say that we are also present in 30 of the 38 Next Wave Cities and Digital Cities identified by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) a list that includes Tagbilaran City,” said Castatieda.

The 2024 Philippine Hotel Investment Outlook Survey said Bohol, particularly Panglao Island, is an emerging destination for investors.

Bohol topped with 41 percent of respondents, saying they wanted to put up hotels in the province, the data showed.

Data from Bohol Tourism Office revealed there are currently 786 tourism accommodations in the province with a total capacity of 10,620.

An additional 1,658 rooms are anticipated next year while over 500 more rooms are expected in the next three to five years.

The province’s data on tourism arrivals have shown steady growth, breaching 1 million in 2023.