The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is pushing to build several cell towers in Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, as well as in several island barangays in Balabac, including Mangsee Island.
During the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regular session today, March 28, an additional resolution requesting the government to allocate funds for the construction of cell sites in the areas mentioned was proposed by Board Member Ariston Arzaga.
Board Member Al Ibba, on the other hand, said that last year, he also passed a resolution requesting the government to build cell towers in the areas mentioned.
“Mayroon na akong resolution katulad nito sa paglalagay ng Smart Telecommunication at Globe Telecommunication sa bayan ng Balabac, sa Bancalaan, Mangsee, also Barangay Buliluyan,” Ibba said.
Under a common tower policy, the Palawan Provincial government will tap Smart and Globe Telecommunications which will finance and build “independent” cell towers in the said far-flung areas.
At present, Globe and PLDT build and control their cell sites, where the radio equipment is installed to support services to subscribers such as calls, text messaging, and internet services—where demand continues to explode.
Local internet service and mobile phones are basic commodities that are vital for work and personal use every day, but for decades, there are no such services in Mangsee Island, a tiny islet-barangay town which is approximately 6-7 hours away from Balabac proper.
Around 8,000 people live in the 40-hectare Mangsee Island, which has no public cemetery nor any medical facility aside from its barangay health center.
For many residents in Balabac, a visit to Mangsee Island is a little like returning to the pre-technology era. People can make local emergency calls only through several satellite phones used by barangay officials. Radio signals are mostly coming from neighboring Malaysia.
The measure will greatly help residents of Mangsee and other far-flung island barangays in the southernmost Balabac, especially during emergencies, and will improve connectivity among the people.
Board Member Ryan Maminta, who recently visited Balabac, expressed support for the measure, stressing that the project will also boost tourism in Balabac.
“Mayroong sub-office ang tourism. Ang dumating na van ay labing-lima, sabay-sabay, papunta silang Balabac. Imagine kung magkakaroon ng signal doon at tourist rest area, sa tingin ko mas lalo nating mapo-promote ang turismo sa bahaging kadulohang Timog ng Palawan,” Maminta said.
The resolution was supported by other members of the provincial legislature.
Ibba said that a meeting with representatives from both telecommunications companies will be scheduled soon.