In today’s digital economy, reliable internet isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of thriving businesses and connected communities. This is why Eastern Communications, one of the country’s pioneering telecommunications and ICT providers, is making bold moves in Mindanao. The company has officially launched its services in General Santos City and Dipolog City, opening new opportunities for industries, MSMEs, and local governments to embrace the full power of digital transformation.
Strengthening General Santos: The Tuna Capital Goes High-Tech
On August 12, Eastern Communications made its presence official in General Santos City through its signature Via Eastern launch event at the Grand Summit Hotel. GenSan, recently ranked 15th most competitive city in the Philippines and 3rd among highly urbanized cities in Mindanao (2024 CMCI), is already a powerhouse for fisheries and exports.
City Councilor Michael Pacquiao welcomed the move, noting that improved connectivity will help local businesses, government offices, and communities “connect better, work smarter, and innovate faster.”
As home to six of the country’s seven tuna canneries, GenSan employs over 200,000 people and plays a major role in the nation’s fishery exports. With the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority upgrading the General Santos Fish Port Complex, digital-ready infrastructure is now more critical than ever.
Eastern Communications is stepping in with enterprise-grade internet—including Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS)—to help industries such as:
Manufacturing and Smart Aquaculture – enabling real-time inventory tracking, automated production, and blockchain-based export traceability.
Agriculture – supporting agritech solutions like crop monitoring, weather prediction, and automated machinery.
Retail, Tourism, MSMEs, and IT-BPM – delivering scalable, secure, and fast internet to stay competitive locally and globally.
Unlocking Digital Growth in Dipolog: Gateway to Western Mindanao
Just a few weeks earlier, on July 22, Eastern Communications also launched in Dipolog City at D’Hotel & Suites. Known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao”, Dipolog is an emerging hub for tourism, trade, and logistics.
Zamboanga del Norte Governor Darel Uy emphasized that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, helping bridge communities, boost local businesses, and expand access to opportunities.
Dipolog’s competitiveness is on the rise—it remains the Most Competitive Component City in Region 9 and has helped Zamboanga del Norte climb to 47th in economic dynamism nationwide. Eastern’s arrival promises to accelerate this growth, giving local industries and government agencies the tools they need to compete in the digital era.
Closing the Digital Gap in Mindanao
While more than 50 million Filipinos are online, many areas in Mindanao still struggle with access—only 28.5% of households in the Zamboanga Peninsula have internet connectivity, according to PSA data.
Eastern Communications aims to close this gap by expanding its presence across Mindanao, including Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro, backed by the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN).
By bringing future-ready ICT solutions to General Santos and Dipolog, Eastern is helping fuel inclusive growth, strengthen industries, and prepare communities for a more connected future.
Why This Matters for Mindanao’s Future
Connectivity fuels progress—and Eastern Communications’ expansion is a game-changer for Southern and Western Mindanao. Whether you’re in fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, or tech, faster and more reliable internet means more opportunities, better services, and a stronger economy.
If you’re a business in Mindanao looking to upgrade your connectivity, explore Eastern Communications’ full range of solutions at eastern.com.ph.