City inks fiber optic network deal

THE CITY government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA) with ADvan Tech Solutions- JV, Inc., December 1, at City hall for the installation of the Summer Capital’s underground fiber optic network backbone.

Signing the MOA were Mayor Benjamin Magalong representing Baguio city and Ares Panguito, president of the Quezon city-based corporation which is in line with Baguio’s SMART City vision where technology is utilized to aide in solving problems and bring better and more efficient service to the public.

Representative Mark Go and Vice- Mayor Faustino Olowan led several councilors, other officials and guests as witnesses.

ADvan is engaged in the development of artificial intelligence system line apparatuses and general electrical lighting fixtures as well as IT services, consulting and systems integration.

Under the agreement, ADvan Tech will build, construct and provide the city a fiber optic cable network backbone by horizontal direct drilling based on a submitted Route Plan to the city government.

The city, on the other hand, will provide all the needed permits including personnel for coordination purposes.

A special committee will also be tasked by the city to facilitate the agreement’s implementation and operation.

“All costs and expenses, including any and all taxes or regulatory fees, in connection with the respective obligations of the parties shall be for the account of ADvan Tech. ADvan Tech shall turnover one (1) unit subduct with 78 core Fiber Optic Cable to the Baguio City Government within 30 days after completion of the project,” the MOA said

The MOA points out that the underground conduit infrastructure shall be part of the city’s “One Canal Policy” for IT and telecommunication purposes only.

Earlier, the city council passed resolution no. 125, series of 2020, authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with ADvan Tech for the fiber optic cable installation and upgrading of facilities with no cost to the city government.