Supports NICT Summit 2025 as Official Connectivity Partner and launches digital literacy initiatives
In alignment with the Philippines’ nationwide push for digital transformation, Eastern Communications extended its full support to the Chief Information Officers Forum Foundation, Inc. (CIOFF) for this year’s National ICT Summit 2025 (NICT2025) — the culminating event of National ICT Month.
This year’s NICT2025 took place last June 19-20, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, with the theme: “Transforming Together: Building an Inclusive Digital Nation.”
As the official connectivity partner of the summit, Eastern Communications provided a seamless, reliable internet connection for the event, making it more accessible for its online participants. Through this collaboration, the company actively supports initiatives that promote innovation, digital inclusion, and greater ICT awareness across the country.
“At Eastern Communications, we continuously seek opportunities to support the country’s digital advancement by way of strategic partnerships, digital education programs, and by empowering communities with reliable and accessible connectivity,” said Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer Edsel Paglinawan.
Technology and Innovation Forum held at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
The telco provider will also roll out its latest “Brown Bag Session” and “Access Eastern” tech workshops across Metro Manila and the new videos of its “Thoughts on Tech” video podcast as part of its ICT month initiatives.
Driving Nation-Building Through NICT Summit 2025
Supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NICT2025 brought together national leaders, private sector innovators, and global ICT experts to present strategies and technologies that advance inclusive digital development.
The summit was joined by around 400 in-person delegates and 200–500 online participants, including representatives from the academe, IT associations, private industry, and government bodies. The event previewed the upcoming ASEAN CIO Association (ACIOA) 9th Forum in Singapore this September, featuring thought leadership on digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and emerging tech trends shaping ASEAN’s future.
Furthering its mission to support nation-building and empower Filipino communities through technology, Eastern Communications is proud to be part of the annual National ICT Month celebrations, observed every June under Presidential Proclamation No. 1521, s. 2008.
Empowering Businesses Through Tech Workshops
during the Access Eastern run held in Clark, Pampanga
Eastern Communications announces the return of its award-winning thought leadership events with its annual “Access Eastern” tech workshops, and its new learning series, the Eastern “Brown Bag Session.” These series of workshops will gather key opinion leaders in the technology sector to build collaboration and drive digital transformation among businesses in the Philippines. The dynamic lineup of sessions include:
*Future-Proofing Philippine Retail Industry for next Gen Connectivity in partnership with Huawei
*Accelerating Innovation Through Next Gen/Emerging Technologies in partnership with Cisco
*Resilient IT-BPM Delivery Using Hybrid Cloud in partnership with CloudSigma
*Empowering Governance Through Emerging Technologies in partnership with Nexusguard
*Securing Distributed Teams with Zero Trust and SASE in partnership with CATO Networks
*Access Eastern: Solutions That Power Your Business with workshop runs in Clark & Laguna
These industry-focused tech workshops will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for businesses looking to leverage the latest technological advancements.
“Thoughts on Tech” Podcast Returns with Ai & Digital Literacy Focus
host Danie Laurel and guest Tonichi Parekh, Vice President of Concentrix
Eastern Communications also launched the third series of its official video podcast, “Thoughts on Tech,” hosted by renowned news anchor and event host Danie Laurel. This series features insightful conversations with industry leaders, focusing on ICT as a crucial enabler of progress and why digital transformation is now a fundamental necessity for all businesses.
The series will address the need for greater AI and ICT awareness among Philippine businesses. Research from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) indicates that despite national efforts for AI integration, local businesses, especially MSMEs, face challenges in adoption due to barriers in infrastructure, awareness, and funding. As of 2021, only 14.9% of businesses were using AI technologies, highlighting the early stages of AI adoption in the country.
The “Thoughts on Tech” episodes are released weekly throughout June via Eastern’s official Facebook and Youtube channel:
*The Future of the Filipino Workforce in the Age of AI featuring Tonichi Parekh, Vice President of Concentrix.
*The Creator Economy, Its Challenges and Unique Trends with Marla De Castro Rausch, President of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP) and CEO of Animation Vertigo.
*From Classroom to Boardroom: Integrating Digital Skills in Education with Aurelien Chu, Co-Founder of Eskwelabs.
*Code Red to Code Ready: Managing Risks in Modern Enterprises with Alvin Harilla, Eastern Communications’ Enterprise Risk & Quality Management Head.
Through these various initiatives, Eastern Communications supports the Philippines’ digital transformation journey by empowering businesses with knowledge and championing digital literacy during the National ICT Month.
