From left to right – Mr. Gerry Roxas (BTPC), Engr. Romeo Doloiras (DPWH), Hon. Joselito Del Rosario (LGU-Naga), Mr. Florencio Mongoso, Jr. (MNWD), Hon. Nelson S. Legacion (LGU-Naga), David Xiao (BTPC), Tao Tao (BTPC)
NAGA CITY officially started the implementation of its Underground Fibre Optic Duct Infrastructure Project on April 29, 2025. This initiative marks a significant step toward improving the city’s telecommunications and urban landscape through a safer, more organized cabling system.
This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the City Government and its telecommunication partners, spearheaded by the Bester Telecom Philippines Corporation (BTPC), which specializes in fiber and tower maintenance, as well as Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. Present during the launch were company executives, including President David Xiao, Chief Delivery Officer Tao Tao, and Senior Business Development Officer Gerry Roxas.
The project will build an underground duct system that is secure, expandable, and capable of supporting high data capacity. It will serve as a shared pathway for telecommunications, cable TV, and smart city technologies, with provisions for future use by power utilities and other digital services.
Initially proposed and enacted in August 2022 by Hon. Joselito Del Rosario through City Ordinance No. 2022-064, this forward-thinking initiative establishes the legal foundation for a stronger and more adaptable infrastructure. The Memorandum of Agreement was thereby signed and ratified last October 2024. Now, the project is on its first major steps in its project implementation phase.
The implementation begins with the relocation of telecom lines from overhead poles to underground ducts, with the participation of major network providers such as PLDT Inc., Converge ICT, DITO, DCTV, Eastern Telecom Phils. Inc., and Globe Telecom Inc. Once completed, the project is expected to improve service reliability, enhance disaster resilience, reduce visual clutter in the cityscape, and increase public safety.
In addition to integrating the backbone infrastructure into the underground system, the project will also allow telecom providers to deliver services directly to customers through underground connections. As the project progresses, power lines will likewise be integrated into the system.
Project Segments
Phase 1 of the underground cabling project is divided into four segments, categorized by area. The construction is projected to be completed between August 2025 and July 2026, with turnover dates expected from September 2025 through August 2026.
Table 1. Four Segment Areas
This table outlines the specific areas included in each project segment. Underground wiring routes were assigned based on location. Refer to the route map below for a visual overview.
Route Map
As Naga City embraces the digital future, this infrastructure investment reaffirms its commitment to smart urban development, competitiveness, and sustainability.
For businesses and investors seeking a forward-thinking, innovation-driven city, Naga continues to prove itself as the place to be.
Before and After Images
Event Images
Featured by: Fe F. Belale, ITPO
