“We tak

e another step towards a more progressive, connected, and equitable Philippines. This collaboration is proof of our shared commitment to bringing connectivity to even the farthest communities in our archipelago,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said during the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Globe Telecoms and Starlink (SpaceX) at the Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.

Speaking before top executives from Globe and Starlink, the President lauded the initiative and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. “We have been clear: The future of the Philippines must be digital — and it must be inclusive,” he said, citing its potential social benefits, economic opportunities and contributions to building a disaster-resilient Philippines.

A centerpiece of the collaboration is the Direct-to-Cell (DTC) service — the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and the second in Asia — designed to enable satellite-powered mobile connectivity directly to smartphones. DTC requires no additional hardware or special applications, allowing users to access basic internet, messaging and data services when connected to Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellites.

The service is expected to be especially useful during disasters when terrestrial networks are disrupted. The President highlighted DTC as a potential game-changer during typhoons and other natural disasters, when cell towers may be damaged and conventional networks go offline.

“Sa pamamagitan ng DTC service, madaragdagan ang mga teknolohiyang maaaring magbigay-ginhawa sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay,” he said.

The Chief Executive also reiterated the government’s broader efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure, accelerate digitalization across government, innovate online learning platforms and promote rural development.

“Ito po ang ating layunin: Mas mabilis na internet access para sa bawat Pilipino. Pantay-pantay na oportunidad. At walang sinumang Pilipino na maiiwanan o mahuhuli,” he said, emphasizing that expanding connectivity to the countryside can generate jobs, attract investments and bring essential services closer to citizens.

He also urged partners and stakeholders to keep the Filipino people at the center of every innovation and in the delivery of public service. “What Globe and Starlink are doing today brings us closer to that goal. It shows that when the government and private sector move with purpose and shared commitment, we broaden the possibilities for a more connected Philippines,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Marcos Jr. called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector. “So, together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino finds their place in this new digital world,” he said.

Globe Telecom aims to launch the Globe-Starlink DTC service in March this year.