In the heart of the Philippines’ rural landscape — where rice paddies stretch into the horizon and modern infrastructure often struggles to reach — an extraordinary grassroots initiative is reshaping what it means to be digitally connected. What began as a modest solution using bamboo poles and tree branches to hoist fiber optic cables across remote neighborhoods has grown into a transformative model for inclusive, community-powered internet access.
In the town of Pulilan, Bulacan, fiber internet now connects clusters of homes that conventional telecommunications providers had once overlooked. These neighborhoods were considered too remote or economically unviable for investment, but with the help of locally sourced materials and strategic partnerships with local government units (LGUs), connectivity has been extended to families who once had to choose between daily necessities and mobile data.
“Beyond just providing fiber connections, the project showcases another brilliant innovation: the repurposing of old CRT television sets as functional computer monitors. These heavy, analog-era screens are paired with Android set-top boxes built in-house, transforming traditional TVs into fully operational computers. The simplified interface allows users of all ages to access online services — be it for education, telemedicine, or employment — without the need for costly new devices,” according to Momo Kanouni, Founder of Nexlogic Telecommunications.
The result is a seamless digital ecosystem that brings the Internet directly into people’s homes, offering services such as distance learning, telehealth consultations, government transactions, and even streaming entertainment. What makes the solution truly inclusive is its low barrier to entry: intuitive interfaces, localized content, and an infrastructure that encourages first-time users to explore and engage with digital tools confidently.
NexLogic Telecommunications Network Inc. is a Filipino-owned telecom company based in Makati City offering fiber, satellite, radio, and Wi-Fi connectivity solutions to enterprises and underserved communities. Established in 2015, it provides services such as domestic and international leased lines, dedicated internet, and 24/7 network monitoring. Through its Community Connect initiative, NexLogic delivers free internet access to low-income areas, supporting remote work, education, and livelihood. The company also develops proprietary tech like the MOBOX router and MIDAS ISP management platform to streamline service delivery and network operations.
Today, more than 9,000 households in Pulilan — representing over 50,000 individuals — are connected. Every public school is guaranteed internet bandwidth of at least 10 Mbps per student. Currently, 80% of indigent households have reliable access to the Internet, with plans to achieve full coverage by 2026. This surge in connectivity has led to measurable improvements in student academic performance, increased incomes among local entrepreneurs, and stronger ties within the community.
The key to this success lies in a modular ICT framework: an affordable homegrown device that functions both as a router and as an Android-based entertainment and learning system. For a one-time cost of around PHP10,000 — subsidized by LGUs and valid for three years — households are equipped with robust, user-friendly digital tools. The model leverages existing public infrastructure, particularly fiber lines laid to support schools, health centers, and barangay halls. During off-peak hours, the same infrastructure delivers high-speed connections to residential users, maximizing the utility of public investments.
Operational sustainability is ensured by a hybrid financial model. Monthly subscription fees from paying residential and business users cover recurring costs, while revenue from localized advertising and live-streamed community events adds another source of income. For instance, live streams of town parades and local sports tournaments have drawn nearly 100,000 viewers, boosting not only local pride but also sponsor engagement and ad revenues.
This initiative aligns closely with several global development priorities. It advances the goals of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), particularly Action Line C2, which focuses on infrastructure development. It also supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing low-cost internet access to underserved populations, it helps reduce poverty and inequality. With tools that support online learning, the project contributes to quality education. It promotes decent work and economic growth by unlocking digital livelihood opportunities. Through its innovative use of modular technology and community-driven infrastructure, it enhances industry and innovation. The initiative also fosters sustainable communities by building resilient urban-rural connections and strengthens international cooperation through effective partnerships.
Environmental sustainability is an emerging benefit. By enabling remote access to education, government services, and medical consultations, the project is expected to reduce travel-related carbon emissions. The use of refurbished materials, including recycled electronics and bamboo, further underscores its commitment to ecological stewardship.
The Nexlogic team plans to expand the project’s reach across both urban and rural LGUs, aiming to serve at least 150,000 households — or roughly 700,000 individuals — in the coming years. Each site presents new logistical challenges, from maintaining fiber connections to scaling up local tech support. However, with each new installation, residents are trained and empowered to maintain and manage the system, ensuring long-term sustainability and building a pipeline of digital talent from within the community.
At a time when nearly half of the world’s population remains offline, this Filipino-led initiative proves that innovation doesn’t always come from tech giants or billion-dollar startups. Sometimes, all it takes is a bamboo pole, a CRT screen, a homegrown Android box — and the collective will to create meaningful change.
If you believe in the power of grassroots innovation and digital inclusion, consider supporting this initiative. Nexlogic’s Community Connect initiative has been shortlisted for the WSIS Prizes 2025, a prestigious recognition from the United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) that honors outstanding projects leveraging ICTs for sustainable development worldwide. Representing the Philippines in Category 11: E-Employment, Community Connect may be the first private Filipino company to achieve this milestone. The project has helped bridge the digital divide by providing fiber internet access to over 50,000 individuals in low-income households, creating life-changing opportunities in online education, remote work, telehealth, and community growth. This nomination is a tribute to the dedication of Nexlogic’s team, its LGU partners, and the empowered communities they serve.
Support Team Philippines! You can help Community Connect win by casting your vote at the official WSIS voting portal. Simply register as a new user, confirm your email, log in, and head to the Voting Form. Under Category AL C7 – E-Employment, select Community Connect: Digital Inclusion via Local Area Networks, then click “My Votes” to confirm. Voting closes on 30 April 2025 at 11:00 PM Geneva time (01 May 2025 at 5:00 AM Philippine Time). Let’s unite and bring pride to the Philippines on the global stage — vote now and share the word.