A Milestone in Bringing Mobile Connectivity to Far-Flung Communities
Paete, Laguna — E.Y. Mercado Construction (EYMC) proudly announces the successful completion and erection of a new Globe Telecom cell site in Paete, Laguna, marking a significant step forward in expanding mobile communication services in the Philippines during a time when cellular technology is still emerging worldwide.
At the dawn of the new millennium, mobile phones are transitioning from novelty items to essential communication tools. However, many rural towns remain beyond the reach of reliable signal coverage due to geographic constraints and the limited telecommunications infrastructure outside major cities. The Paete project stands as one of the early initiatives to extend modern connectivity to underserved communities.
Challenging Terrain, Complex Logistics
Constructing a telecommunications tower in the year 2000 posed unique engineering and logistical challenges—especially in a mountainous, lakeside town like Paete.
Key Challenges
1. Transporting Materials Through Narrow, Winding Roads
Paete’s steep slopes and tight roadways required precise scheduling of deliveries, use of smaller load-bearing trucks, and manual offloading in sections where heavy equipment could not pass. Steel components for the tower had to be transported in segments, with some parts carried uphill by manpower.
2. Limited Access to Heavy Machinery
Due to terrain limitations, cranes and boom trucks could not operate at full reach. EYMC engineers relied on a combination of compact lifting equipment, guy-wire-assisted hoisting, and staged assembly to safely elevate the tower sections.
3. Unstable Weather Conditions
With Laguna de Bay generating unpredictable wind patterns and rain showers, site engineers had to employ weather-dependent construction windows and implement additional stabilizing measures during erection.
4. Early-Era Telecommunications Requirements
At the time, cellular technology was rapidly evolving. Equipment was bulkier, grounding requirements were more rigid, and power backup systems required redundancy. EYMC’s team coordinated closely with Globe Telecom’s technical group to ensure compatibility with the evolving GSM infrastructure.
Engineering for Connectivity in a Developing Network
“We were building not just a tower, but the foundation of future communication,” said the EYMC Project Lead Engineer. “During this period, cell sites were still relatively new in the Philippines. Every installation required pioneering work—custom adjustments, creative problem solving, and dedication to quality.”
The completed tower significantly improves mobile coverage across Paete and its neighboring barangays, enabling residents to make clearer calls, reduce dropped connections, and benefit from a communication network once available only in larger cities.
Bridging Communities Through Technology
For Globe Telecom, the expansion into Paete marks a crucial milestone in its nationwide rollout of GSM cellular service. For EYMC, it represents the company’s growing capability to deliver highly technical infrastructure projects even in remote locations.
“Connectivity changes lives,” said E.Y. Mercado Construction’s management. “We are honored to support Globe Telecom’s mission to modernize communication across the country. The Paete tower demonstrates that world-class infrastructure can be built even in challenging environments.”
About E.Y. Mercado Construction
Founded on engineering discipline, workmanship integrity, and commitment to nation-building, E.Y. Mercado Construction has completed mission-critical projects across Laguna and Southern Luzon. With expertise in structural works, specialized construction, and infrastructure deployment, EYMC continues to support the Philippines’ transition into a modern, connected, and rapidly developing nation.