The Private Sector Advisory Council–Digital Infrastructure Sector (PSAC-Digital Infra) is backing the proposed One Canal Policy, saying shared infrastructure could accelerate fiber deployment, reduce costs, and expand high-speed internet access nationwide as the Philippines pushes deeper into the digital economy.
The council’s support follows the signing of Executive Order No. 119 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which updates the country’s data classification framework and establishes a national data residency policy. PSAC said the reform addresses a long-standing regulatory gap by giving cloud providers, data center operators, and technology investors greater policy clarity while strengthening the country’s data sovereignty.
The group said stronger data governance is becoming increasingly critical as businesses scale up investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services.
During its 10th meeting with Marcos in Malacañang, PSAC-Digital Infra said the One Canal Policy complements these reforms by tackling one of the biggest challenges in digital infrastructure expansion: the slow and costly rollout of fiber networks.
The proposed policy calls for a single common-conduit system along national roads and public rights-of-way. Instead of multiple telecommunications companies separately excavating roads to install cables, qualified operators would share a centralized canal system.
PSAC said the approach could lower construction expenses, shorten deployment timelines, reduce road disruptions, and simplify permitting processes for telecommunications companies and local government units.
The council emphasized that faster fiber deployment would help bring reliable broadband services to households, businesses, schools, and hospitals, especially in underserved and geographically isolated areas.
Beyond connectivity, PSAC said the policy could strengthen the foundation needed for the country’s digital ambitions, including the expansion of the National Fiber Backbone and the attraction of investments in data centers, artificial intelligence, and cloud services.
The move reflects a broader shift in how governments and industries view digital infrastructure, with connectivity increasingly treated as a strategic economic asset rather than simply a telecommunications service.
By combining data governance reforms under EO 119 with shared infrastructure initiatives such as the One Canal Policy, the Philippines aims to create a more resilient and investment-ready digital ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.
