Leading telco and digital services provider PLDT has obtained ISO 22301:2012 certification for its world-class cable landing stations that provide international connectivity for data, voice and leased line services via fiber optic cables to its global network partners.

ISO 22301:2012 is the highest and most comprehensive international standard for management systems that ensures business continuity. It was awarded by TÜV Rheinland, one  of the leading recognized providers of technical services worldwide.

The three PLDT cable landing stations that have been ISO certified are the La Union Cable Landing Station (LUCLS) in Bauang, La Union; the Daet Cable Landing Station (DCLS) in Daet, Camarines Norte; and the Batangas Cable Landing Station (BCLS) in Nasugbu, Batangas.

“This ISO certification states that  PLDT is well-prepared and equipped to manage the impact of disasters that may affect our cable landing stations which are mission critical facilities in delivering quality voice and data services to our customers,” said PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa.

“PLDT’s cable landing stations play a significant part in the Company’s mission to provide the best and most reliable data experience to our consumer and enterprise customers. These newly ISO-certified cable landing stations are PLDT’s gateway to the other international cable systems which enable the PLDT Group to provide the latest digital services to more homes and businesses in the country,” added PLDT VP and Head of Technical Operations Center Emer Hernandez.

Awarded by TÜV Rheinland, one of the leading reputable provider of technical services worldwide, ISO 22301:2012 is the highest available and most comprehensive international standard for management systems that helps ensure business continuity.

“The certification evidences PLDT’s conformance to rigorous practices in preventing, mitigating, responding and recovering from disruptive incidents. As a mission-critical enterprise, PLDT continues to raise the bar of excellence and reliability as we assessed and certified their compliance with this world-class standard ISO 22301,” said Engr. Tristan Arwen G. Loveres, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Philippines.

“This ISO Certification highlights PLDT’s commitment and capability to prepare for, respond to, and minimize the impact of crises and disasters, as well as recover critical business functions as quickly and efficiently as possible after a crisis or disaster,” said PLDT VP and Head of Business Continuity and Resilience, Atty. Oliver Carlos G. Odulio.

The La Union Cable Landing Station covers the Asia America Gateway (AAG) submarine cable system which is laid at the seabed connecting LUCLS to Tanguisson, Guam and South Lantau, Hong Kong, while the Daet Cable Landing Station which contains the Asia Submarine Cable Express (ASE) provides connection to Shinmaruyma, Japan, East Coast, Singapore and Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong.

The Batangas Cable Landing Station is home to the South East Asia Middle East Western Europe 3 (SEA-ME-WE3) and Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2) submarine cable systems that connects the Philippines to countries in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Western Europe.

As PLDT continues to expand and modernize its fixed and mobile networks, it is likewise establishing systems and processes that further enhance and ensure resiliency against emerging risks.

PLDT has invested around P300 billion or nearly US$6 billion over the last decade to roll out the country’s most extensive fixed and wireless network infrastructure which now has 150,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables designed to support the Filipinos’ growing use of fixed and mobile data.