In Pulilan, Bulacan, a pioneering initiative by NexLogic Telecommunications is transforming digital access in remote Philippine communities using bamboo poles, CRT TVs, and homegrown technology.

The project, called Community Connect, began as a local effort to bring fiber internet to areas previously ignored by major telecom providers. By using bamboo poles to lift fiber optic cables across hard-to-reach areas, the program has extended reliable connectivity to more than 9,000 households, benefiting over 50,000 individuals.

Old CRT television sets are given a second life as digital monitors. Paired with Android-powered set-top boxes developed by NexLogic, these screens now serve as functional terminals for online learning, remote healthcare, and digital livelihoods. The setup allows families to access essential online services without the need to buy expensive new devices.

“For a one-time cost of around PHP10,000, subsidized by local governments, households get both internet access and a simple entertainment and productivity system. Our system is designed to be intuitive, affordable, and built for first-time users,” said Momo Kanouni, Founder of NexLogic.

The project makes use of existing public infrastructure, such as fiber connections laid out for schools and health centers. During off-peak hours, the same network is used to deliver fast internet to nearby households, maximizing the utility of these installations.

To sustain operations, Community Connect relies on a mix of paid subscriptions, local advertising, and livestreams of town events. All public schools in Pulilan now have internet speeds of at least 10 Mbps per student. More than 80 percent of low-income households have access to reliable internet, with full town coverage targeted by 2026.

The impact of the program has caught international attention. Community Connect has been shortlisted for the WSIS Prizes 2025, an award from the United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society that honors innovative ICT projects. It represents the Philippines in Category 11: E-Employment.

The initiative also supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals by reducing inequality, promoting education and economic growth, and encouraging environmental responsibility through recycling and reduced travel.

NexLogic aims to expand the project to reach 150,000 households nationwide. Residents are trained to maintain and operate the system, ensuring its long-term sustainability and building local digital skills.

Filipinos can show their support by voting for Community Connect at the WSIS 2025 portal until April 30, 2025. A bamboo pole and an old TV might seem simple, but combined with vision and community effort, they are changing lives.