Joining the dots

Necessity is the mother of invention, and the intrinsic human need to communicate has led to some dynamic innovations over the years. Many everyday technological marvels, from high-speed internet to smartphones, have a basis in extending lines of communication across societies.

In this way, the world’s telcos have inherited the need to serve a double duty as enablers of communication and tech pioneers.

Take the first telecommunications company in the Philippines, Eastern Communications, which has evolved beyond its roots into a leading provider of IT solutions.

According to Co-Coordinators Aileen Regio and Jaeson Evangelista, they plan to take the company’s remit even further.

“As we enter 2026 and approach our 150th anniversary, our vision extends beyond being an internet and information and communications technology (ICT) provider,” Regio tells The CEO Magazine.

“We aspire to help build a truly digital-ready Philippines – one where opportunity is not defined by geography.”

The geography of the the Philippines has long set the pace for its telecommunications development. Initially required to stay in touch with Spain and later the United States, the country’s colonial origins kept it a mainstay of global telephony.

Innovative expansion

It’s the same story today, with the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) providing the island nation and its telcos with robust undersea fiber cable infrastructure that can continue to drive innovation.

“The PDSCN project was built together with two other partners, and we plan to further anchor the project on partnerships and collaborations,” Evangelista says.

“We’re continuing to activate the foundations laid out by the infrastructure, and with each new service area, we partner with local government units, business organizations and enterprises in educating them on how to digitalize operations and use this new connectivity for their progress.”

By pairing the unique connectivity offered by the PDSCN with Eastern Communications’ sizable suite of ICT offerings, the company hopes to help local economies and underserved regions flourish. It’s just one of the many projects it has in the pipeline in 2026.

“There’s a lot we’re excited about, such as future expansion initiatives and a new product road map, and we’re fortunate to have strong, like-minded partners supporting many of these efforts,” Regio says.

One such project is the company’s ongoing agreement with the Makati Central Estate Association (MACEA), which manages the Makati CBD that Eastern Communications calls home.

“We’re working with MACEA on a 25-kilometer underground conduit system that seeks to protect the city’s fiber optic cable network from environmental exposure and accidental damage,” she explains.

“We’re also eliminating visual clutter by moving overhead facilities underground.”

Regio adds that the Makati Underground Conduit Network will give Eastern Communications the ability to expand service coverage within the CBD while building network resiliency and allowing for faster deployment. Once again, necessity has given birth.

These days, however, sustainability is often the midwife. Infrastructure projects must have sustainability in mind to satisfy a growing global demand, and Evangelista says Eastern Communications is committed to an environmentally friendlier approach.

“For the past few years, we’ve transitioned to solar power in our technical operations centers and have just transitioned to renewable energy in our Makati headquarters,” he reveals.

“This move will hopefully enhance our operational resilience, reduce maintenance and futureproof our offices and technical operations centers to better serve our customers.”

At the same time, the company’s infrastructure is handled in a way that minimizes impact on the environment and community as much as possible.

“It’s in our best interest to preserve the communities we serve,” Evangelista says. “So we give back by upholding environmental commitments, all of which are consolidated into an annual report for fair governance, reporting and transparency.”

Strong relationships

It’s the sort of move that has helped Eastern Communications keep its promise to be more than a service provider and a long-term partner to its customers.

“Our customer-first philosophy has served us well over the years,” Regio says. “Our commitment has allowed us to be seen as approachable and relatable – qualities that are especially important in Filipino culture.”

Internally and externally, trust and long-term relationships are fostered by the Eastern Communications team, enabling the company to work closely with its partners and customers to fulfill their business goals and address their most pressing needs.

“Our partnership model is built on shared vision and complementary strengths,” Evangelista says. “We carefully select partners who share our drive, allowing us to co-create superior customer solutions by leveraging the best of our combined capabilities.”

Behind the company’s doors, it’s a similar story, Regio adds.

“We go the extra mile to support our talent’s growth by investing in in-house training and external exposure, while providing equal opportunities to excel in their respective fields,” she explains.

What results is a workforce that takes pride in what it does and that goes the extra effort to achieve company goals.

“Our technical teams work in tandem to assess new solutions within and outside of the country so that we stay ahead and keep our product line updated and staunch,” Evangelista says.

“Through our sales, business development and marketing teams, we’re able to understand the needs of customers on the ground and assess the correct solution for each type of industry and business.

“We like to say that we don’t just sell products, we recommend solutions.”

Human touch

One such solution is Project Maaasahan, a joint effort with United Kingdom-based nonprofit Unconnected.org, which seeks to provide Filipino schools in remote regions with satellite internet connectivity.

“So far, we’ve provided 10 schools with access to essential online learning resources,” Regio points out.

It’s a prime example of Eastern Communications’ standout human approach to telecommunications.

“From a small business in Dipolog to a classroom on a remote island, every Filipino deserves access to the same digital tools and possibilities as a multinational in Makati,” she says.

“By closing these gaps, we aim to empower communities, strengthen local economies and contribute to a more connected and inclusive nation.”