Group cites role of LGUs, power cooperatives in digital infrastructure

A CONSUMER advocacy group is calling on local government units (LGUs) and electric cooperatives across the country to remove barriers to broadband connectivity, saying that such choke points deprive the people of tangible economic opportunities.

“This is not a technology or even a capital issue, but more of a bureaucratic bane,” said lawyer Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines. “It is something we can address swiftly and effectively with enough political will and commitment.” Abejo acknowledged existing efforts by the national government and the private sector in introducing change to the bureaucratic processes, but said implementers at the grassroots level play a major role in translating policy to actual reality.

“There have been laudable developments in terms of crafting policies that specifically encourage the establishment of telco infrastructure,” Abejo said. “But apparently there are still administrative blocks at the site level that are delaying the powering up of telco towers.”

According to Abejo, the LGUs have the discretion to adopt streamlined processes for establishing telco towers and other infrastructures in their area. Meanwhile, the electrification of telco towers already in place hinges on the efficiency of electric cooperatives to deliver power.

Marcos names Enciso as Customs intel chief

By Joel E. Zurbano

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ap - pointed Verne Yadan Enciso as chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), a unit of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) tasked to go after big-time smugglers and erring BOC personnel.

Enciso’s oath of office was administered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in Malacanang Thursday following his designation as Customs director III.

Prior to his new post, Enciso served as the CIIS station chief at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and special assistant to Intelligence Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy.

Expressing gratitude for the trust and confidence given to him by the President and the full support extended to him by Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio, Enciso committed to leading the CIIS in full support of and alignment with the programs set by the agency.

The new CIIS chief emphasized the importance of transforming Customs Intelligence operations in line with the Presidential directive of modernizing and digitalizing customs services and administration.

Enciso further outlined his plans to enhance the proficiency of Intel officers in digital technologies and elevate the technological capabilities of the CIIS. These advancements, he said, aim to facilitate the delivery of “highly credible, confidential, and timely intelligence reports” that Customs can rely on and utilize for efficient and effective security enforcement, apprehension, and profiling.

WORLD OCEAN DAY CLEANUP.

Volunteers conduct a clean-up drive along the shore of Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay to celebrate World Ocean Day on Thursday. The UN reiterated that this year’s World Oceans Day aims to generate a new wave of excitement toward cherishing and protecting the ocean.