Manila: The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and ISON Tower Ltd. Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to lease PHLPost properties for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of telecommunications tower facilities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was formalized by Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III and ISON Tower chair Vivek Gupta during the Philippines-India CEO Forum. The event was attended by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda and other business leaders and was part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India this week.

ISON Tower, a conglomerate recognized by the DICT for providing common towers in the Philippines, specializes in passive infrastructure solutions aimed at enhancing network coverage and connectivity. The collaboration seeks to elevate telecom infrastructure to international standards, with an emphasis on enabling 5G and future technologies.

PHLPost indicated that this initiative aligns with its digitalization roadmap and modernization program. Sta. Maria highlighted that the agreement includes ISON Tower's commitment to rehabilitate the physical premises of PHLPost branch offices hosting the towers, thereby improving facilities for public service delivery.

According to DICT, such public-private partnerships enable the private sector to contribute expertise, resources, and technology, aiding in the modernization of postal operations, expansion of digital services, and improvement of connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

During his engagements in the state visit, President Marcos emphasized the potential for stronger trade and investment ties between the Philippines and India, particularly in sectors such as information and communications technology, semiconductors, infrastructure, and clean energy.