PLDT Global President and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real highlights the vital role of subsea cables in supporting the Philippines’ connectivity economy, essential services, and digital ecosystem during the Archipelagic Governance for Subsea Cables Forum.
The PLDT Group is calling for stronger government-industry collaboration to protect the Philippines’ subsea cable network, emphasizing the critical role of undersea telecommunications infrastructure in ensuring reliable connectivity, economic resilience, and national security.
Speaking at the Archipelagic Governance for Subsea Cables Forum, PLDT Global President and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real said subsea cables support essential services, including banking, government operations, business communications, cloud computing, data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and other digital services.
Villa-Real stressed that the Philippines, as an archipelagic nation heavily dependent on undersea connectivity, must strengthen network redundancy, diversify cable routes, accelerate repairs, and improve coordination among government agencies and telecommunications operators.
He also highlighted the country’s potential to become a major digital gateway in the Asia-Pacific region by developing resilient international and domestic connectivity, expanding data center infrastructure, strengthening cloud ecosystems, and ensuring reliable power systems.
Meanwhile, PLDT First Vice President for Network Design and Engineering Arvin L. Siena emphasized that faster cable restoration is just as important as investing in additional cable systems and alternative routes.
Subsea cables can be damaged by earthquakes, natural disasters, fishing activities, ship anchors, and other maritime incidents. However, repairs may be delayed by the permits and clearances required for specialized cable vessels to enter Philippine waters.
Siena called for clear and streamlined approval procedures for emergency cable repairs, alongside stronger coordination between government agencies and telecommunications operators. He also proposed designating submarine and terrestrial cable routes as critical digital corridors to promote infrastructure protection and reduce preventable damage.
The forum, organized by The Asia Foundation and partner government and academic institutions, brought together stakeholders to discuss the governance, protection, and resilience of the Philippine subsea cable ecosystem.
The PLDT Group said it remains committed to working with government and industry partners to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and support continued investment in the Philippines’ growing digital economy.
