PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico
MANILA – The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, has welcomed the signing of Executive Order (EO) 127 liberalizing access to satellite services.
In a statement Friday, the PCCI said new policy guidelines on the operation and use of international satellite telecommunication facilities and services will help in improving internet access throughout the country.
“(T)he signing of EO 127 will help to address the needs of unserved and underserved areas in the country,” the business group said.
The PCCI has been batting for the amendment of EO 467 of 1997 to remove the franchise requirement in the access of international satellite systems.
“The signing of the EO has made possible access for millions of Filipinos, particularly the connection of micro and small enterprises and remote services for students, education, and health institutions in the countryside, as well as far-flung municipalities and local government units,” PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said.
He said better connectivity would also help Filipinos to access “life-enhancing information and services”, while also fueling innovation activity.
“Improved internet access is also seen to fuel the country’s innovation ecosystem,” the PCCI added.
Recently, the business group opened its innovation hub that aims to build skills for Filipino talents and help them meet the requirements of in-demand jobs related to technology.
The PCCI Innovation Center targets to hone local talents in advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, cloud, mobile app development, blockchain, and robotics.
“These technologies will play a big role in meeting the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and in responding to the challenge of ensuring sustainability to achieve Ambisyon 2040,” Yujuico said. (PNA)
