BCDA And InfiniVAN Develop Poro Point As Open Submarine Cable Gateway
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has entered into a long-term lease agreement with telecommunications firm InfiniVAN to develop the Poro Point Cable Landing Station in La Union into an open gateway for international submarine cables. The initiative aims to expand internet capacity, improve network reliability, and support more competitive connectivity costs. It also strengthens the Philippines’ international digital infrastructure by maximising government-owned information and communications technology assets.
According to a BCDA announcement, the project forms part of broader efforts to enhance cross-border data connectivity and resilience. The development aligns with national priorities on digital infrastructure, complementing initiatives such as the Philippines’ National Digital Connectivity Plan.
Strengthening the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure
The agreement covers the Poro Point Cable Landing Station and related facilities under the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure, a strategic collaboration involving the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), BCDA, and Meta. The 240-kilometre fibre corridor links Baler, Aurora on Luzon’s eastern coast to San Fernando, La Union on the western coast, providing an alternative route for international data traffic.
BCDA developed the backbone infrastructure, including two cable landing stations, four repeater stations, and supporting terrestrial facilities, while DICT oversees operations. The Poro Point site will now operate as an Open Cable Landing Station, capable of hosting multiple submarine cable systems and allowing domestic network providers to colocate their equipment.
Open access model to encourage competition
The open access model is designed to support two additional submarine cable operators, encouraging greater competition in international connectivity and attracting new investments in submarine cable infrastructure. By enabling multiple backhaul providers to operate from the same facility, the model is intended to improve redundancy and service reliability.
“This partnership with InfiniVAN’s nationwide fiber-optic network will expand access and service coverage, help lower the cost of internet services for enterprises and households, and accelerate the country’s digital transformation as it keeps pace with its ASEAN neighbors and the broader global digital economy,” — Joshua M. Bingcang, President and CEO, BCDA
Improving resiliency and nationwide distribution
InfiniVAN will operate both the Poro Point facility and the upcoming Baler Cable Landing Station under the same open model. Integrating these sites into the company’s backbone network is expected to allow more efficient distribution of submarine cable capacity to optical distribution hubs nationwide, supporting economic activity and public services that depend on reliable connectivity.
“This East–West connectivity will play a vital role in ensuring the resiliency and security of the nation’s communications infrastructure,” — Koji Miyashita, Chairman, InfiniVAN
Link to regional submarine cable systems
The development builds on InfiniVAN’s Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network and its construction of a new cable landing station in Baler, Aurora. The Baler site will serve as a landing point for the CANDLE submarine cable system, a 24-fibre-pair intra-Asia cable with an estimated capacity of 570 terabits per second, expected to be operational in 2028.
Together, these projects position the Philippines to handle a greater share of regional data traffic and reinforce its role in Asia’s expanding digital infrastructure network. The initiative also complements wider efforts to strengthen digital readiness and resilience, including international cooperation highlighted in recent EU–Philippines digital collaborations and private sector alignment on infrastructure and skills development.
The project supports the digitalisation agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritises stronger digital infrastructure, expanded connectivity, and improved access to online services to drive economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
