This bright forecast was aired by local entrepreneurs and local officials as they noted that the installation of modern telecommunication facilities here will be the turning point for Mindoro Island to realize its potential as the country’s emerging "agro-forestry tiger,"

In addition to a local land-based carrier, the Calapan Telephone System, Inc. (CATSI), Manila-based companies have set up more cell sites and telephone exchanges in the province to keep up with the global requirements for more ‘high-tech" telecommunication facilities.

They also noted that with the advent of modern telecommunication facilities, "high rollers" from both local, national, and even foreign businesses will no longer hesitate to invest in the island.

Oriental Mindoro is programmed to become a "major food producer" for Metro Manila and the rest of mainland Luzon, where telecommunications will play a pivotal role, according to the 10-point "Mindoro 2000" development program of Gov. Rodolfo G. Valencia.

The same sources are also agog over the "forcefulness" of CATSI, which despite its shoestring budget has managed to gradually compete with multi-national corporations in putting up "fiber optic" cables," a big turn around from the conventional, telephone-operator assisted microwave system in improving the communication industry here.

Governor Valencia and Calapan Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan have exhorted the CATSI management, headed by Wilfredo N. Caballero, to pursue its modernization and expansion program as "communication is a major cog to keep the wheels of progress moving."

The two local government executrives also commended the firm’s "pioneering spirit" in bringing to the province a modern communication system which is formerly monopolized by highly-urbanized cities, like Davao, Cebu, and Metro Manila.

Caballero, CATSI president and general manager, explained that with the simultaneous inauguration of the Calero and Lalud sub-exchange recently, his company can now connect more than 1,000 applications for telephone lines in Calapan, this December.

"But, we expect that after December, 1996, more subscribers in the capital will apply for more telephone connections which may reach up to 5,000 lines before the middle of 1997. But, we are ready to serve them," he added.

The National Telecommunications Commission, headed by Simeon L. Quintanar has citied last week the "encouraging performance" of local exchange operators, like CATSI, in putting up more lines which the government expects to hit more than one million for 1996 under the service area scheme.

Kintanar pointed out the additional lines rolled out by the new carriers reached 774,038 during the nine-month period beginning January to September, this year.

CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro – Islanders, including local government officials, have citied executives of a private telephone firm here for their "pioneering spirit" in the development of the telecommunication industry in this province, saying that it contributes much to the economic progress of this island.

They said that because of the advent of modern telephone system, the townsfolk are now able to make calls across the nation, and "also know what is happening first hand across the seas."

Oriental Mindoro Gov. Rodolfo G. Valencia and Calapan Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan congratulated last Saturday the "men and women behind the management and operations" of the Calapan Telephone System, Inc. (CATSI) for their effort in making the province, particularly this capital town, abreast with the development of world-class communication facilities in the island.

The province has already achieved one of the ten vital pillars of progress, communications, which is badly needed to attain the full economic development of Oriental Mindoro, Valencia explained, stressing that it is a top priority project under his administration’s Mindoro 2000" development program.

The occasion was held simultaneously with the inauguration of the Calero and Lalud sub-exchanges, in barangays Calero and Lalud, respectively, under CATSI’s five year expansion and modernization progam that will culminate in 1997.

Panaligan also commended the CATSI executives, headed by Wilfredo N. Caballero, the firm’s president and general manager, for the telephone company’s "pioneering spirit" in the birth and development of modern telecommunications industry in the area.

He said that the telephone firm has "revolutionized and pioneered" the communications system in Oriental Mindoro, as he recalled that 30 years ago, the townsfolk had to line up for several hours in calling stations in order to make calls to Manila.

"Mabagal ang pag-unlad ng Calapan noon, dahilan siguro sa kawalan ng komunikasyon," Panaligan said, stressing that an "efficient communication system is a major attraction to investors, and that CATSI is a big partner in the development of the town."

(Calapan development dragged due, perhaps, to lack of feasible communication system).

Valencia and Panaligan were also impressed by the determination of CATSI executives as they noted that the local people unlike before, are now linked to the outside world without leaving the comforts of their homes, and "only to reach their relatives as the power of their fingertips."

The other company executives, who joined in the twin inaugural rites, were Dr. Manuel Tolentino, vice president, Manuel Garcellano, Mrs. Mercedes Leviste, Mrs Nazaria Villegas, and Mrs Elena Tolentino, among other top officials.

The Calero and Lalud sub-exchanges, which were built in the amount of more than P12 million, have the capability to provide telephone services to some 4,500 subscribers in this capital town.