In Pulilan, Bulacan, an innovative Filipino-led initiative is proving that bridging the digital divide doesn’t always require high-tech tools — sometimes, it just takes bamboo poles, old CRT monitors, and a lot of community spirit.
Local telecom company NexLogic Telecommunications Network Inc. has connected over 9,000 households — impacting more than 50,000 individuals — through its Community Connect initiative. By using bamboo poles and tree branches to hoist fiber cables and repurposing CRT TVs with Android set-top boxes, the project is making affordable, reliable internet access a reality for underserved communities.
“People who once couldn’t afford mobile data now have full access to online learning, telemedicine, and digital livelihoods,” said NexLogic founder Momo Kanouni.
The initiative goes beyond just internet connectivity. Each household receives a low-cost modular ICT device — a hybrid router and entertainment/learning box — for around PHP10,000, subsidized by local government units. Public infrastructure like schools and barangay halls serve as fiber distribution points, extending bandwidth to homes during off-peak hours.
Operational sustainability is built into the model: subscription fees from residential and enterprise users cover costs, while ad revenue from live-streamed community events provides additional income. Events such as town fiestas and local sports tournaments have drawn tens of thousands of viewers online.
Community Connect aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by supporting quality education, economic growth, and reduced inequalities. The project also fosters environmental sustainability through reduced travel emissions and the reuse of materials.
NexLogic now aims to scale the project to 150,000 households nationwide. Each expansion site includes resident training, ensuring long-term community ownership and a growing pool of local tech talent.
The initiative has earned international recognition, having been shortlisted for the WSIS Prizes 2025 under the E-Employment category. Supporters are encouraged to vote at the official WSIS portal before 30 April 2025, 11:00 PM Geneva time (01 May 2025, 5:00 AM Philippine time).