Globe Telecom expressed support for the government’s ongoing review of the National Building Code, emphasizing the need to integrate digital connectivity as a vital component of modern infrastructure planning and building design.

The review comes after Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon directed a comprehensive reassessment of the nearly 50-year-old National Building Code of the Philippines or Presidential Decree 1096 to align it with present-day construction standards, urban development needs, climate resilience, and evolving technologies.

Under Special Order No. 155 issued on April 7, the Department of Public Works and Highways reconstituted the National Building Code Review Committee to address long-standing engineering gaps and update regulations with professional and technical inputs. The building code was first implemented in 1977 and last revised in 2005.

Globe said the review presents an opportunity to recognize connectivity as a “fifth utility” alongside electricity, water, transportation, and other essential services, especially as internet access has become increasingly important in education, healthcare, commerce, and government transactions.

Carl Cruz said reliable connectivity now plays a critical role in how people learn, work, and access essential services, stressing that integrating connectivity into building standards would help telecommunications companies focus investments on network expansion and improved capacity.

The company added that embedding connectivity considerations into residential, commercial, and public infrastructure would support fiber-ready facilities, in-building internet solutions, and more efficient deployment of telecommunications equipment.

Globe noted that many existing building standards were developed at a time when digital connectivity was not yet considered a necessity, creating challenges in delivering stable internet services, especially in densely populated and newly developed areas.

Meanwhile, Joel Agustin said modernizing the National Building Code would help accelerate network rollout, improve service quality, and support the country’s long-term digital transformation goals.

The company said it continues to work closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders in advancing policies that promote inclusive connectivity and future-ready infrastructure across the country.