The Globe highlights the role of public-private partnerships in driving digital innovation

The advancement of the digital transformation in the Philippines depends on the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs), which are critical to bridging communication gaps and driving the effective use of technology.

Speaking at the recent GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila, Emmanuel Estrada, VP of Corporate Development and Strategy at Globe, emphasized the importance of government-private partnerships to address the changing needs of Filipinos in the digital age.

Globe, a strong supporter of PPPs, is actively involved in initiatives such as the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by the Private Sector Advisory Council and made up of mobile network operators, tower companies, and government stakeholders.

CPTF is working to expand existing networks, build more than 150 new sites, and test new technologies such as satellite services to serve geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

The role of government policy is also important in making PPPs successful. Estrada emphasized the need to review outdated regulations and establish transparent, consistent, and sustainable policy frameworks to encourage private sector investment and ensure that long-term relationships remain mutually beneficial.

“Old, outdated policies are no longer relevant and relevant in today’s digital economy. Once that is fixed, let’s organize all the processes. We have come a long way. EO 32, for example, helped accelerate our network deployment over the past three years, bringing us to where we are today in terms of connectivity. Those old policies, some dating back to 1931, are what we really need to work on in collaboration with the government,” said Estrada in a panel discussion titled “From Policy to Practice – Designing PPPs for Digital Innovation.

Estrada was talking about Executive Order No. 32, which fine-tunes the telecommunications infrastructure permit process. Globe has seen a 20% improvement in the processing of permits between 2022 and 2024, with the process of several permits being simplified by LGUs.

Besides facing policy obstacles, PPPs must look to deliver solutions that meet specific societal needs, according to Estrada, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with real-world applications that bring value to individuals and communities.

Estrada noted that although 96% of the population is covered by at least a 3G or 4G signal, only 63% maintain an active subscription, with most usage focused on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. While these platforms offer avenues for personal business and entertainment, he stressed the importance of prioritizing uses that enrich lives.

“First, let’s fix communication, and once that’s done, let’s improve usability. It’s one thing to have a connection, but using it effectively and learning how to benefit from it is another. The uses we focus on include people using communication for educational purposes, reconnecting with long-lost relatives, accessing health advice, and managing their finances. That’s when it really brings value,” he explained.

As the Philippines continues its journey towards digital transformation, public-private partnerships remain an important way to expand access and ensure that no one is left behind. Working closely with governments and other stakeholders, Globe drives efforts to bring global connectivity and promote meaningful digital inclusion.

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