Japanese Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi on Wednesday led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new submarine cable landing station in Baler, Aurora, underscoring Japan’s continued support for improving digital infrastructure in the Philippines.

The project, spearheaded by telecommunications company InfiniVAN Inc., aims to establish a strategic network hub in Aurora to address the country’s growing demand for high-speed internet and secure data traffic routes.

Also present at the ceremony were Aurora Vice Governor Sid Pimentel Galban, Reynante Tolentino Jr., executive assistant to the provincial governor, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Director Imelda Walcien, and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Manila Chief Representative Sagawa Hiroshi. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda also delivered his message of support via video.

In his speech, Minister Yokota congratulated stakeholders on the project and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in bolstering the Philippines’ digital economy. He recalled the Japan-Philippines Summit in April, where Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of information and communications technology.

“Cooperation with the Philippine national and local government is invaluable for the smooth construction of the landing station,” said Yokota, expressing hope for continued support from all sectors.

The submarine cable landing station in Baler forms part of InfiniVAN’s broader plan to reinforce digital infrastructure across the country and improve internet connectivity in underserved regions.