E.A. Trilink Inc., the Philippine private sector lead of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) project for 2012-2016 of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines–East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is investing US$33 million for the installation of around 2,000 telecenters in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The E. A. Trilink investment would be part of the Intelligent Clearance Identification (iClid) project presented during the BIMP-EAGA Strategic Planning for 2012 chaired by Hajah Airah Haji Abdullah, Acting Director of Communications, Ministry of Communications-Brunei Darussalam, held recenly in Manila.
The iCLID project uses a combination of Radio-frequency Identification and web technology to facilitate cross-border movement of goods and vehicles within the BIMP-EAGA region.
Brunei Darussalam has already implemented the first phase of the project in Sungai Tujoh and Kuala Lurah, and will extend it to Sabah and Sarawak checkpoints in Malaysia for the second phase. Each checkpoint is estimated to cost around US$1.5 million.
Another multi-million-dollar ICT project included in the IB is the BIMP-EAGA Rink or Submarine Cable intended to develop BIMP-EAGA as a new hub and centre of investment using a Hybrid Communications Platform which utilizes sea cable, satellite, or terrestrial systems.
Under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, one of the requisites for a fully developed Mindanao is a state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure that provides reliable, affordable, and high speed connectivity that links peoples and systems through smooth and universal access.
The Mindanao 2020 is a framework plan which plots the roadmap for stakeholders and development partners in pursuing sustainable peace and development in Mindanao within the next 20 years.
The plan was consolidated by the Mindavao Development Authority (MinDA)DA from extensive consultations, focused group discussions, and interviews among key stakeholders in Mindanao.
