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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider "Visionary leadership": Romualdez lauds PBBM for spearheading $400M satellite deal 

"Visionary leadership": Romualdez lauds PBBM for spearheading $400M satellite deal 

Published Nov 16, 2023 03:06 pm

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez says the Philippine government's $400-million satellite investment deal is proof of President Marcos' vision for the country's digital evolution. 

viber_image_2023-02-27_13-37-13-360.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez says the Philippine government's $400-million satellite investment deal is proof of President Marcos’ vision for the country's digital evolution. 

“The forging of this game-changing agreement is a historic achievement and a testament to the visionary leadership of President Marcos and his commitment to advancing the nation's technological capabilities,” he said in a statement Thursday, Nov. 16 (Philippine time). 

Romualdez is accompanying Marcos in his ongoing trip to the United States (US), with the latter's participation in the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit as the main highlight. 

During a presentation at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, California, the $400 

-million satellite deal was officially sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Filipino firm HTECH Orbits and American satellite operator Astranis. 

The partnership aims to launch the first dedicated national satellite of the Philippines in 2024, aptly named “Agila”. 

“This initiative is not just about technological advancement but also about empowering our people to foster inclusive development. The connectivity provided by these satellites will create jobs, catalyze economic growth, improve access to education and healthcare, and create new opportunities for Filipinos in every corner of the archipelago,” The Leyte 1st district solon said. 

Up to 10,000 indirect jobs will stem from the investment, which seeks to spur growth in the far-flung areas of the country. 

“The connectivity provided by the dedicated satellite would also help accelerate the realization of the vision for prosperity under the Internet Transaction Act approved by Congress and expected to be signed into law soon by the President,” Romualdez added. 

The law calls for an effective regulation of commercial activities through the internet to ensure the protection of consumer rights and data privacy. It also encourages innovation, promotes fair advertising practices and competition, security of online transactions, respect for intellectual property rights, and the observance of product standards and safety. 

“With enhanced connectivity and access to information, businesses in the Philippines can become more globally competitive. Improved internet services facilitate faster and more efficient communication, reducing barriers to trade and enabling businesses to participate more actively in the global economy,” the House Speaker noted. 

With a second satellite launch already slated for the second quarter of 2025, some 30,000 barangays are estimated to benefit from "reliable and affordable” Internet services. 

Furthermore, the installation of facilities for the satellite services, which range from 3,000 to 6,000 sites, would also stimulate economic activity through employment generation in the construction sector and supporting industries. 

Romualdez says he sees high-speed Internet in previously underserved areas as a monumental instrument in revolutionizing education and healthcare services. 

“The economic significance of this $400-million investment and satellite launch initiative lies not only in the immediate benefits of job creation and infrastructure development but also in the long-term potential to position the Philippines as a hub for space technology, stimulate economic growth in underserved regions, and enhance the country's overall competitiveness on the global stage,” Romualdez stressed. --Dexter Barro II 

Related Tags

Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Martin Romualdez
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