“Progress to the countryside through Internet connectivity”
FICTAP, the largest network of cable TV enterprises in the Philippines, will hold its 17th International Cable Congress and Exhibit today and tomorrow (March 9-10) at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.
Former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada will preside at the ribbon-cutting ceremony which also opens the trade and technical exposition of an unprecedented number of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and technology now available to the cable TV industry.
FICTAP, or Federation of International TV and Communication Associations of the Philippines, was founded in 1999 by a handful of countryside cable operators who were struggling to survive and metamorphosed into a strong and internationally recognized organization that has held without fail a national convention every year. This year it has been accredited by the Commission on Elections as a party-list participant in the coming May elections.
With its advocacy of a cheaper and faster internet connectivity reaching the remotest areas of the Philippine archipelago, FICTAP will serve not only the interests of its members but especially the welfare of the millions of Filipinos hungry for an internet system comparable to the best in the world. This advocacy which is captured by the campaign slogan, “Bawat Pilipino Dapat Konektado” is supported by the theme of FICTAP’s 17th convention: “Progress to the Countryside Through Internet Connectivity.”
This year’s battery of speakers includes Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Congressman Sherwin Gatchalian, National Telecommunications Commissioner Garnaliel Cordoba and Deputy Commissioner Delilah Deles and technocratic resource persons representing the foremost suppliers of the cable industry. Major convention sponsors are Cignal TV, Viva Communications, NexLogic Communications, MBC-DZRH News Television, Creative Programs, Solar Entertainment and ACCION.