Image by Chaitawat Pawapoowadon / Pixabay /

Telecoms and digital services provider PLDT has started offering commercial fiber plans in El Nido, Palawan, after launching its initial fiber facilities in the area.

Since linking the Palawan region to its Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON) backbone, PLDT has been gradually installing 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 restrictions to preserve the natural structures in the islands.

Recently, PLDT has “fibered up” barangays in Poblacion, which include Corong-Corong, Buena Suerte, Maligaya, and Masagana. Since offering fiber packages in these areas, residential customers have shown a strong preference for 20 mbps data and voice plans while enterprise customers, particularly local hotel operators, have already availed themselves of connectivity packages of up to 500 mbps.

“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 Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr, SVP and head of Consumer Business Market Development of PLDT .

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.

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.

Media Release