Over the last eight years, Aboitiz Projects TS Corporation, along with its Japan counterpart Meisei Logistics, has quietly worked to bring cellular service to remote areas of the Philippines by transporting cellular tower transmitter and antenna components to designated sites. With sites located in remote and elevated areas, APTSC frequently operates in challenging and hazardous areas with minimal infrastructure and support services.

APTSC Operations Manager and Telecoms delivery specialist Catalino “Cata” David – a seasoned veteran of many forays into the hinterlands – shared his thoughts on the challenges of the job:

“We often apply careful planning before and during deliveries. Terrain and access to site is almost always limited to unpaved foot trails up inclines – limiting us to manual hauling methods. We work through areas where steep slopes stop both pack animals and machines; or roads that become impassable quagmires after it rains”.

“Even the carabaos [the local oxen] are smart enough to know when to call it quits, we – on the other hand - just keep going!”, Cata laughs.

Security is another major concern when operating in remote locales – the threats of insurgent ambush, armed robbery, and hostage-ransom are constant. We manage this risk by building relations with the right contacts in the area and showing respect and sensitivity to local folk and their way of life.”

In 2006, Globe Telecomms - the largest cellular service in the nation - launched its 3G and backbone network expansions with the deployment of 4-meter diameter antennas, Waveguide Feeders, and MUX packages. APTSC delivered these components to sites in Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija in the Northern island of Luzon; to Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan, Magsaysay Butuan, Agusan Sur, Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Northern Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Maguindanao, Koronadal and General Santos in Mindanao.

For its efforts, APTSC has received commendations from NEC Philippines for its consistent and prompt delivery of equipment under hazardous conditions.