Fiber-powered Bantayan to attract digital nomads

CEBU, Philippines — PLDT Home has committed to support Bantayan Island’s potential to become an attractive destination for digital nomads, by installing reliable fiber connection.

Now, with PLDT Home’s high-speed internet, the island is an ideal destination for digital nomads and remote workers seeking a blend of productivity and relaxation.

Internet connectivity has been crucial to the development of the digital nomad community on Bantayan Island and boosting economic activities.

Now powered by PLDT Home’s most reliable fiber connection, Bantayan Island is primed further to enhance the quality of life of its locals and boost its economic growth.

The Fast and stable internet connection enables businesses on the Island to operate efficiently, empowers residents to access essential online services, and allows visitors to enjoy seamless work and leisure experiences.

“The Internet is one of the necessities of our tourists. Before they book, they ask if the area has a good internet connection. Here at Myrna’s Pension House, we have two [fiber plan] accounts with PLDT Home. For as long as tourism is booming here, I can say that I’m stable here,” said Madelle Tibay, a Pension House Manager in Bantayan Island.

For the home-based entrepreneur and virtual assistant Belvic Fariolen, a reliable home internet helps their family thrive on the Island. She’s grateful for having access to digital opportunities so that she can work and earn from home while also being a full-time mom.

“My home business is online selling of bags, perfumes, and clothes. I’m also a virtual assistant. I like the work setup I have now because I’m just at home and I don’t have to spend a lot. The most important thing is that I can also focus on my children.”

Enhancing Island Life

Beyond economic advantages, PLDT Home’s connectivity empowers the local community, significantly enhancing life in three municipalities of the island: Bantayan, Madridejos, and Santa Fe.

Residents now have better access to online education, healthcare services, and government programs. This digital transformation has improved the overall well-being of the island’s population, ensuring that everyone can thrive in this connected environment.

Madridejos Vice Mayor Vincent Y. Villacrucis enthusiastically supports PLDT Home’s initiatives for Bantayan Island’s digital transformation.

To also support Cebu’s initiatives to encourage tourism through sports development in the province, PLDT Home brought PLDT High Speed Hitters Mika Reyes, Iza Viray, and Cebu’s very own Shiela Kiseo for an afternoon of Beach Volleyball Clinic at Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.

As Bantayan Island continues to become more popular as a tourist destination, PLDT Home provides the digital infrastructure needed for its growth.

Meanwhile, Cebu is eyed as one of the attractive provinces to host the growing remote workers or digital nomads around the world.

According to Frederick DC Amores, regional director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology(DICT-7), stakeholders are pushing for the passage of the digital nomad visa to entice more of them to come to the Philippines.

Amores cited that if infrastructure such as fast and reliable internet connection, and laws, among others, are in place, digital nomadism can be another million-dollar revenue stream for Cebu’s tourism industry.

Amores said a digital nomad spends at least US$20,000 or P1 million a month.

“Imagine if you have 100 of those in your barangay spending at least P1 million a month, you will have P100 million worth of economic activities happening.”

Digital nomads boost the local economy by spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and various services. Their presence can lead to job creation in hospitality, co-working spaces, and other service sectors that cater to their needs.

Digital Nomads are remote workers who usually travel to different locations. They often

work in coffee shops, resorts, restaurants, and co-working spaces, among other offshore or touristic locations.

During the first Philippine Digital Nomad Summit, which took place on Siargao Island on October 5, 2023, Carlo Delantar, partner and head of ESG and Circular Economy at Gobi Partners, presented a study revealing that Cebu has emerged as the top potential city for digital nomads.

With a monthly cost of living of US$1,381 and an internet speed of 5Mbps, Cebu was ranked first, followed by Davao, Manila, Palawan, Makati, General Santos City, Siargao, La Union, Baguio City, and Boracay Island.