PB urges telcos: Build more cellsites

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board through a resolution sponsored by fifth district Board Member Michael Villamor has urged telecommunications companies to install more cell towers in the province’s remote areas, particularly in mountain barangays and island municipalities.

The resolution which was approved last Monday emphasized that a reliable mobile signal is no longer just a convenience but a lifeline, especially for residents in geographically isolated areas.

Villamor said communication plays a vital role in emergency response, disaster preparedness, and rescue operations.

“I share the sentiments and frustrations sa mga Sugboanon nga kung moadto ta’g usa ka area nga bisita ta unya way signal, sila pa kaha nga way signal. Importante kaayo ang signal para sa atong emergency response,” Villamor said during the regular session.

He stressed that despite improvements in the availability of ambulances in various municipalities, their purpose is undermined if residents cannot easily contact authorities during emergencies.

Representing the Camotes Islands in the Provincial Board, Villamor revealed that more than half of his constituency still lacks stable telco signal coverage.

“Hopefully kaning mga telecommunication giants nato, ilang e-consider nga mobutang pud sila’g towers didto,” Villamor appealed.

He further suggested that installing towers in underserved areas could be part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of major telecom companies.

According to Villamor, a copy of his resolution will be sent to telecommunications providers. Should these companies fail to respond, he plans to file another resolution compelling them to attend a Provincial Board session to engage in direct discussions.

He believes that through dialogue, both government and private sector can come up with solutions to expand connectivity in remote communities.

In addition, he pointed out that better signal coverage would also benefit Cebu’s tourism sector.

Many visitors, he said, have expressed frustration over poor connectivity in otherwise attractive destinations.

“With this direction to improve our communication, mo boost pag-ayo sa atong tourism ngadto sa isla ug kabukiran,” Villamor said.

Tourists visiting mountain barangays or island municipalities often rely on stable internet connection for navigation, bookings, and sharing their experiences online. Without this, their overall travel experience becomes less convenient, he noted.

Villamor also underscored that improving connectivity aligns with the broader development goals of Cebu Province. — (FREEMAN)