We knew we had to include Starlink in our local government digital strategy
In 2023, Starlink officially reached the Philippines. But for local governments, accessing it wasn’t that simple.
We knew we had to include Starlink in our local government digital strategy—especially for our Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in GIDAs. Internet is more than convenience. It’s access. It’s opportunity. It’s the great equalizer. But procurement wasn’t easy. Documentation issues, lack of registered suppliers, and complex government processes kept pushing the timeline further.
The Process: Workarounds and Partnerships
Instead of waiting for a perfect solution, we created one. We personally sourced Starlink units from the US and had them delivered to the Philippines. Simultaneously, we engaged with DICT to request official support. One conversation led to another, and we kept showing up—not just with requests, but with a clear purpose: connect the disconnected.
A year later, that persistence paid off.
Through partnership and consistency, we secured official support from DICT. The goal was always simple but powerful: extend internet access to those who need it most. And today, that goal is a reality.
The Result: Internet Where It Matters Most
We now have four Starlink installations up and running: two in schools and two in barangays. Each site was chosen for maximum community impact—designed to serve not just individual users, but networks of students, teachers, and local leaders.
This is what a local government digital strategy should look like in action. It’s not just about acquiring tech. It’s about making sure the tech reaches the people who need it—and that it works in places where no signal used to exist.
From Project Plans to People Empowered
This initiative reminded us that project management in government isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about inclusion. And when your local government digital strategy is rooted in service, technology becomes more than a tool—it becomes a lifeline.
If you’re an LGU, agency, or organization working to bring connectivity to underserved communities, we’re more than happy to share our experience. Let’s collaborate and build more impact—together.
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