By Robina Asido

A Japan-affiliated digital solutions and telecommunications company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to boost the country's national and international connectivity.

The MOU between DICT and InfiniVAN Inc., a telecommunications and ICT provider was signed by InfiniVAN Inc., Chief Executive Advisor Engr. Edgardo Opulencia, InfiniVAN Inc. President and IPS Director Shigeki Nakahara, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, InfiniVAN Inc. Chairman Koji Miyashita and DICT Undersecretary Leandro Angelo Aguirre in Makati on Thursday.

Aguda said the collaboration is the first step that allows both the DICT and InfiniVAN Inc. "to explore more solutions to provide connectivity for Filipinos, especially those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs)."

"It will enhance both national and international connectivity, support the DICT's free Wi-Fi service, and promote infrastructure collaboration to strengthen resiliency and redundancy," he said.

"This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it's a critical step towards a digitally empowered Philippines," he added.

In an interview with the Daily Manila Shimbun, Miyashita said the impact of the project is expected to be felt in the Philippines after the completion of the project next year.

"We are targeting for the completion of this project by March next year, cable landing station only," he said.

In a forum on Thursday, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano revealed that the country is currently facing a "crippling paralysis of sea lines of communications due to multiple undersea cable sabotage that are being operated deep down our oceans."

He also added that "critical infrastructures and communications networks have also been frequently under threat, as the cyber domain now becomes a prime target."

"Incidents have become so numerous, including state-sponsored cyber operations, ransomware attacks, and using cryptocurrencies, cyberspace typhoons, and advanced persistent threats targeting critical sectors," he said.

Aguda noted that the network will be built in accordance with the DICT's 2023 - 2028 National Cybersecurity Plan and will be executed with careful consideration for cybersecurity and resiliency.

Under the agreement, InfiniVAN and its Japanese parent company, IPS Inc. will make available certain domestic and international network infrastructure to the DICT, including dark fiber cores and / or capacities from InfiniVAN's nationwide fiber optic network and IPS's international submarine cable network.

According to the DICT, the infrastructure will be integrated into the DICT's existing network and will be fully managed and operated by the agency's personnel after receiving proper training and knowledge transfer.

It also opens opportunities to study the establishment of a direct connectivity link between Japan and Singapore via Philippines, which could serve as a secure communication channel between Japan and Philippines, with network redundancy supported by the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN). DMS