A digital-first future is just around the corner, and the pandemic has shown that the new normal inadvertently calls for technological solutions and digital transformation in the country. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) fund, design, and implement infrastructure to drive innovation and digitalization.

Cisco Philippines' Officer-in-charge and Managing Director Robin Llamas expresses, "As the worldwide leader in technology, Cisco is committed to public-private coordination to make a positive impact on the people in the communities that we serve and drive an inclusive future for all. We are developing digital solutions that are designed to help various industries and communities cope with the accelerated digital adoption and thrive in a digital-first future. Through our Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program called ‘UGNAYAN2030’, we hope to build the foundation of digital resilience by improving digital literacy, accelerating digitization, and strengthening local capacities for innovation."

UGNAYAN 2030 commenced with several initiatives across different sectors focusing on three key pillars of digitalization – Collaboration, Connectivity, and Cybersecurity. The fourth pillar, COVID-19 response, was added when UGNAYAN 2030 was launched in response to the ongoing pandemic. Through this program, Cisco has implemented several projects like the Cisco-PLDT Joint 5G Trial, which provided a trial lab for 5G technologies, and the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Assessment to study the security framework of select government agencies. Cisco also worked with local government units to build the infrastructure for Smart Cities and aided the Department of Health with Digital Healthcare solutions at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon entry of vaccines in the country, Cisco also provided the Meraki COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Solution, which is designed to ensure the security and maintenance of critical conditions for the storage and transportation of vaccines through sensors and AI technology.

The pandemic revealed the need for a digital pivot. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), PPPs result in standardized guides that improve public services and the implementation of facilities.

“Opportunities for economic and societal change make partnerships between the public and private sector critical. This is why, at Cisco, we welcome every chance to work with the government towards digital resilience and an inclusive future for all,” Llamas shared.

The Philippine Public-Private Partnership Center also notes that “PPP provides a ‘quicker and more effective way’ of building infrastructure since the technology, development, and delivery are supported by the private sector.”

With the country’s critical need for digital adoption, Llamas adds that "In line with Cisco’s commitment to providing accessible and secure technology, Cisco is open to partnering with institutions to acquire solutions and implement pilot runs so technology can be universally accessible to all Filipinos and economically beneficial for the recovery of the country."

UGNAYAN 2030 is on-going, and it tackles digital resilience through its collaboration with national government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and key industry partners. Llamas emphasizes, "The pandemic has impacted businesses as well as the economy. However, we also saw that those with the right connectivity, digital infrastructure, and remote work technologies thrived. Collaboration between stakeholders from the private and public sectors is critical to boost growth as we work towards a post-pandemic recovery. With this, Cisco will continue to develop initiatives that aid in digital resilience and inclusivity through insight-driven IT innovation."