ARTA Hosts 1st Telco Forum, Launches EO 32 Primer to Strengthen PH Digital Connectivity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) hosted its inaugural Telco Forum and launched the Executive Order No. 32 (EO 32) Primer at the ARTA Transformation Hub, UP AyalaLand Technohub, on 20 February. The event aimed to strengthen the telecommunications sector and streamline infrastructure development.

With the theme “Securing Our Connectivity: Fortifying the PH Telecommunications Sector,” the forum tackled industry advancements, cybersecurity challenges, and the ongoing SIM registration implementation.

Globe Telecom served as a key sponsor of the Forum, reinforcing its commitment to industry growth and collaboration.

"We are grateful to ARTA for organizing the 1st Telco Forum and launching the EO 32 Primer. This initiative will accelerate the rollout of telco infrastructure, driving not just improved connectivity but also economic growth of the country,” said Karlmarx T. Rubia, Business Consulting Director for Cybersecurity and Data Analytics of Globe Business.

The event also featured an open forum where public and private stakeholders discussed a whole-of-nation approach to telecommunications reforms.

EO 32 Primer Unveiled

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez led the presentation of the EO 32 Primer, emphasizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate and simplify the construction of telecommunications infrastructure.

In his message on the EO 32 Primer, President Marcos Jr. emphasized that it will enhance telecommunications and internet infrastructure development with efficiency, clarity, and urgency.

“This document is a decisive reform that dismantles these unnecessary barriers step towards our mission to boost the development of telecommunications and internet infrastructure with efficiency, clarity, and urgency. Indeed, this primer is a clear and comprehensive guide to transformative change” – Said President Marcos jr.

The EO 32 Primer guides telecommunications companies through the simplified permitting process for infrastructure projects. It outlines EO 32’s goal of reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting digital connectivity nationwide.

It includes a step-by-step guide on application requirements and procedures, along with a FAQs section to address common stakeholder concerns.

With the EO 32 Primer, ARTA aims to guide stakeholders, including local government units (LGUs) and the private sector, in ensuring smoother compliance with streamlined regulations that support economic growth and technological advancements.

Government and Industry Stakeholders in Attendance

The forum gathered key representatives and industry leaders, including Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling Usec. Jeffrey Ian C. Dy, Assistant Secretary for Infostructure Management Asec. Phillip Varilla, and DICT Division Chief Delia E. Basada.

Also present were industry experts including Smart Communications Inc.’s Atty. Roy Cecil D. Ibay, Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs; DITO Telecommunity’s Engr. Benedicto Lacsamana, Director of Site Acquisition and Management and Network Construction and Col. Roleen Del Prado, Manager of Cyber and Information Security; and Secure Connections’ Dr. William Emmanuel S. Yu.

The event was also attended by representatives from key government agencies and the private sector, including National Privacy Commission (NPC) Director for Privacy Policy Franklin Anthony Tabaquin IV, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Head of Security Unit John Paul de Leon, and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Engineers Ruben Valeros and Imelda Walcien. Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Information and Communications Technology Organization (PICTO), and Better Internet PH also participated in the forum.

Additionally, registered Independent Tower Companies (ITCs), including Alliance Towers Corporation, EdgePoint Towers Inc., PhilTower Consortium Inc., Transcend Towers, and Unity Digital Infrastructure Inc., also attended the activity.

ARTA’s Commitment to a Digitally Connected Philippines

ARTA Deputy Director General for Operations Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia and Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida underscored the agency’s dedication to fast-tracking regulatory reforms.

With strong support from the telecommunications sector, ARTA remains committed to simplifying processes, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, and enhancing digital infrastructure in line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

Women Leading the Green Revolution: How They're Shaping a Sustainable Future!

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In celebration of International Women's Month 2025, the "Unite for All Women: A Just, Green, and Inclusive Economy!" forum was held on March 7 in Quezon City, Philippines. This event, organized by UNIDO Philippines in collaboration with the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, BAN Toxics, and Clean Air Asia, underscored the pivotal role of women in driving environmental sustainability and economic development. The forum brought together approximately 200 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, local and international development organizations, private sector groups, academia, and grassroots communities.

Women Leading Sustainable Industrialization

The forum showcased three UNIDO-implemented projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF):

planetGOLD Philippines Project: Focused on promoting mercury-free artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), this initiative emphasizes the importance of women's leadership in transforming mining practices. Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for the planetGOLD Philippines Project, highlighted that women's involvement ensures that small-scale mining becomes formalized, safer, more responsible, and community-centered.

Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project (HCW Project): Addressing the challenges of healthcare waste, this project recognizes that women constitute 75% of the health profession. Improper waste management can significantly impact women's health, making their leadership crucial in building resilient and healthier communities. Jam Lorenzo, Deputy Executive Director of BAN Toxics and HCW Project Manager, emphasized that women's involvement drives solutions that safeguard both the environment and public health.

e-Mobility ASAP Project: Aiming to accelerate the adoption and scale-up of electric mobility for low-carbon city development in the Philippines, this project highlights the importance of integrating gender perspectives in the transport sector. Ahn Meg Adonis, Sustainable Transport Lead of Clean Air Asia, noted that empowering women in critical industries ensures that the benefits of e-mobility are accessible and equitable for all.

Celebrating Women's Contributions

A highlight of the event was the launch of an original song, "Isulong ang Pagkilos (Ginto ng Bayan)," by the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines in collaboration with women miners from Paracale, Camarines Norte, and Sagada, Mt. Province. This song serves as a call to support and accelerate action for women to achieve holistic change in various industries, emphasizing their vital contributions and the need to advance gender equality in small-scale mining and other sectors.

Global Support for Climate Initiatives

In a related development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $500 million loan to support the Philippines' efforts to tackle climate change. This funding aims to accelerate reforms in sectors like agriculture, natural resources, energy, and transport, steering them toward a climate-resilient and low-carbon path. The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, faces significant disaster risks, impacting its economic momentum and outlook. In 2021, the nation pledged a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The ADB has also earmarked $10 billion in climate finance for the Philippines from 2024 to 2029, aiming to allocate 50% of its annual lending to climate finance by 2030. 

Reuters

Inspiring Women Environmental Leaders

The Philippines has been home to numerous women leaders who have significantly contributed to environmental sustainability:

Louise Mabulo: A Filipino environmentalist, social entrepreneur, and chef, Mabulo is the founder of The Cacao Project, which supports over 200 farmers in the San Fernando area. The project focuses on sustainable farming practices, aiming to mitigate climate change while providing farmers with a stable income. Mabulo's efforts have earned her recognition, including being named a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth and a National Geographic Young Explorer. 

Lidy Nacpil: A dedicated human rights, environmental, and climate activist, Nacpil coordinates the Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development. Her advocacy focuses on climate justice, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address environmental challenges. Nacpil's leadership extends to global platforms, where she represents the interests of vulnerable communities affected by climate change. 

Gina Lopez: As a former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Lopez was known for her strong stance against destructive mining practices and her commitment to environmental conservation. Her tenure was marked by bold initiatives aimed at preserving the Philippines' rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Lopez's legacy continues to inspire environmental advocates across the nation. 

Loren Legarda: A seasoned legislator and environmentalist, Legarda has been instrumental in passing laws focused on environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and cultural preservation. Her efforts have positioned the Philippines as a proactive player in global environmental initiatives, earning her international recognition for her advocacy. 

Conclusion

The "Unite for All Women" forum highlighted the indispensable role of women in achieving a just, green, and inclusive economy. By amplifying women's voices and leadership, the event reinforced the essential role of women in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The forum served as a platform for collective action, encouraging partnerships and concrete solutions to break down gender barriers, promote women's equal participation in environmental action and economic development, and ensure no one is left behind.

No College? No Problem! New Law Lets You Earn a Degree from Work Experience!

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On March 3, 2025, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 12124, known as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, marking a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of inclusive and accessible education. This groundbreaking legislation enables Filipinos, particularly working professionals and individuals with substantial skills, to earn a college degree by recognizing their experiential learning and expertise acquired outside traditional academic settings.

A Paradigm Shift in Philippine Education

The ETEEAP Act represents a transformative shift in the Philippine educational landscape. By valuing practical experience and informal learning on par with formal education, the law challenges the conventional pathways to academic credentials. This approach acknowledges that learning extends beyond classroom walls, occurring in workplaces, communities, and through self-directed endeavors.

The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC), a prominent youth advocacy group, has lauded the enactment of this law. Ellirie Aviles, Founder and Board Chairperson of SKC, emphasized that the ETEEAP Act addresses longstanding inequities in the educational system, stating, "This law is a long-overdue recognition that learning happens beyond the four walls of a classroom."

The Role of Educational Institutions

Several Philippine universities have pioneered the integration of equivalency and accreditation programs, setting precedents for the ETEEAP's implementation:

Palawan State University (PSU): Since 2011, PSU has offered the ETEEAP, allowing professionals to attain degrees in fields such as Business Administration and Petroleum Engineering. This initiative caters to individuals seeking academic qualifications without compromising their professional commitments. 

Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System (PUP OUS): Established in 1990, PUP OUS provides nontraditional and distance education, offering programs that facilitate the completion of degrees through flexible learning modalities. 

University of Cagayan Valley (UCV): Deputized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in 2002, UCV offers the ETEEAP under its BS Criminology Program, enabling practitioners to earn academic credentials aligned with their professional experiences. 

Ensuring Effective Implementation

While the ETEEAP Act lays the foundation for a more inclusive education system, its success hinges on robust and inclusive implementation. SKC urges educational institutions, employers, and government agencies to uphold the law's principles, ensuring that all qualified individuals receive the recognition they deserve. This collaborative effort is vital to transform the law's promise into tangible opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.

A Call to Action

The enactment of the ETEEAP Act is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to educational reform and social equity. By embracing diverse learning pathways and acknowledging the value of experiential knowledge, the nation takes a significant step toward democratizing education. As stakeholders collaborate to implement this law effectively, the vision of an inclusive and accessible education system becomes an attainable reality for all Filipinos.