Eastern Communication notches 130 years of service

Then Colonialism was a global business in the 1800s, colonizers like Spain had three major concerns; the maritime commerce, the colony’s economic growth and the administration of rule and governance.

Communication between Spain and its counterparts in the Philippines was done through official trips and written reports delivered using  steamer ships. These methods  were slow, uncertain during the typhoon season and most of all it was costly. This prompted the Spanish government to find ways to establish a telegraphic communication system between the Philippines and Spain.

 Eastern Extension Cable Company was granted a 40-year concession to lay down a submarine telegraph cable that will connect Hong Kong with Luzon and thereby linking Philippines to Spain and to the rest of the world.

 With cable stations in Manila, Bacolod, Capiz, Cebu and Escalante, the network introduced telegraphic message services, greatly improving colonial governance, local and international commerce, exchange of ideas and information and even stories among the Filipino people.

 Interestingly, Eastern Extension’s telegram services brought news and communicated the events that helped to ignite our people to fight for freedom.  A telegraphic message prompted General Aguinaldo to return from exile and help establish the Tejeros Convention and become the First President of the Republic.

 In today’s sophisticated age, technological advances in communications have changed extensively the lifestyles around the world.

 The capability and capacity to transmit and retrieve information faster and more cost-effective has become a top priority for government offices, businesses and people in general.

 Looking forward, Eastern Communications aims to renew its 130 year commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction by prioritizing work in five key areas that include infrastructure, business support system, establishing better management control and understanding the needs and servicing of customers, developing value-added services and lastly  through operational responsiveness that will enhance service excellence through key training interventions as well as team building workshops.

Recently, Eastern Communications hosted a well attended cocktail reception  at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel to redefine its future,  re-energize its business growth and what’s more, to celebrate  the significant 130 year milestone. On hand to welcome invitees from the business, trade, and industry  sectors were Eastern top executives Raul Pagdanganan, CFO, Alvin Tolentino, COO,  Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President for Sales, Boyet Castillo, vice president,  Adrian Evangelista, Head for strategic markets and Efren Ugoy, Head, for consumer group.

Cebu’s very own Dulce Amor, interpreted some popular Cebuano songs and classic Broadway favorites that delighted everyone. The Interact band kept the boogie beats going well into the night.

 As promised, good wine, music and lovely people were the offering for the evening. The guests evidently enjoyed themselves and stayed on to dance till midnight.