COUNCILOR Danilo C. Dayanghirang has filed a resolution urging Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications Inc., and other telecommunications companies to establish cell sites and other connectivity infrastructure in areas of the city with no or poor signal.
Dayanghirang, in his privilege speech on Tuesday’s regular session, emphasized Barangay Callawa in Buhangin District and Barangay Fatima in Paquibato District.
The resolution noted that these barangays and other communities in Davao City continue to experience an absence of, or weak, intermittent, and unreliable cellular and Internet service.
“The lack of reliable connectivity creates a digital divide and may further contribute to social and economic inequality, particularly in geographically remote, upland, coastal, rural, disaster-prone, and otherwise underserved communities of the City,” the resolution reads.
It added that the gaps limit residents’ access to education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and government services.
The measure described reliable cell access as essential public infrastructure that supports emergency communication and daily activities.
A citywide assessment and mapping of unserved and underserved areas is being pushed as a basis for a comprehensive connectivity plan.
Dayanghirang called on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Globe, Smart, other telecom firms, internet service providers, and tower and infrastructure companies to undergo such a study.
It also called on these companies and agencies to expedite the technical assessment and rollout of cell sites and other connectivity solutions, including shared facilities, fiber-optic networks, and satellite-based systems.
Under the resolution, the city government is directed to explore programs, partnerships, and incentives to speed up connectivity expansion.
This includes the establishment of a mechanism to regularly monitor and report on connectivity conditions citywide, including service gaps, proposed sites, pending permit applications, and completed projects.
The resolution stressed that any expansion of telecommunications infrastructure must comply with existing laws on environmental and structural safety standards, public health, the city’s zoning ordinances, and permitting requirements.
