In photo are Rovic U. Maranan, owner of Rovic’s Tourist Hotel and the first PLDT subscriber in El Nido, Palawan, with PLDT AVP and Panay-Palawan Customer Service Operations Zone Head Rene J. Lescano.

Since linking the Palawan region to its extensive Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON) backbone, PLDT has been gradually firing up fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) facilities in the island to further provide reliable fixed connectivity and meet the region’s demand for fast internet, particularly in the capital city of Puerto Princesa. Famous tourist destinations such as El Nido and Coron, however, faced challenges with laying down fiber optic cables due to the area’s topography and aesthetic concerns to preserve the natural structures and beauty of the islands.

Recently, PLDT has fibered up Barangays in the Poblacion town proper namely Corong-Corong, Buena Suerte, Maligaya, and Masagana which residents and businesses in those communities have already signed up to avail. Since offering fiber packages in these areas, residential customers have shown a strong preference for 20mbps data and voice plans while Enterprise customers, particularly local hotel operators, have already availed connectivity packages of up to 500mbps.

“Our FTTH roll out in El Nido forms part of PLDT’s commitment to support growing communities in the country with facilities that enable world-class connectivity and bring them to the digital frontier,” said PLDT SVP and Head of Consumer Business Market Development Oscar Enrico Reyes, Jr.

“As we celebrate PLDT’s 90th anniversary, we continue to create milestones for the benefit of Filipinos and making our customers count, whether in the enterprise or in the consumer household.”

El Nido, Palawan is a municipality formed with clusters of islands popular and recognized for being one of the world’s best destinations. The local population heavily rely on the development of the local tourism industry to spur economic growth for the communities.

Local resorts and hostel, restaurants, transportation and travel packages, and tour guides are the primary livelihood among locals that are lining up El Nido and its nearby areas. Tourism in El Nido is a primary revenue generator for Palawan and the Philippines along with Boracay for its pristine beaches and natural rock formations.

“Fibering El Nido will surely boost the competitiveness of businesses and help them improve other essential services, not just for the locals, but for the benefit of tourists as well,” said PLDT SVP and Head of Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.

“Reliable connectivity can really work to the advantage of business communities here like the hotels, restaurants, and tour services, especially once the new airport in nearby San Vicente, Palawan starts operating and increasing the number of tourists coming in to the islands,” he added.

El Nido, Palawan has a population of around 40,000 residents which seasonally increases with the influx of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the world-famous spots in the region. According to the report of the El Nido Municipal Tourism Office, tourist arrival in the town has increased by more than 30 percent annually in the last three years and 2017 alone saw almost 200,000. 

PLDT also has on-going projects to further expand the fiber facilities in El Nido and other areas in Palawan to boost fixed and wireless connectivity in the region. Since PLDT linked the island to its fiber backbone, primary cities such as Puerto Princesa are now experiencing fiber-fast connectivity and wireless LTE-speeds to service the growing needs of local communities, business establishments, and incoming tourists.