CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) — Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Uy led the launch of Quirino’s Digital Infrastructure Project, marking a highlight of the 53rd Araw ng Quirino and Panagdadapun Festival 2024.
In his speech, Uy stated that the project launch represents a significant step in the government’s journey towards a digital nation, bringing the country closer to its vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas”—a nation united in progress through connectivity.
“With today’s launch, we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to ensuring that no Filipino, regardless of location, is left behind in the digital age,” Uy said.
Uy emphasized that launching the Digital Infrastructure Project is a testament to the DICT’s tireless pursuit of delivering inclusive and equitable connectivity across every region. It also exemplifies what can be achieved when local leadership and national vision align.
He expressed gratitude to Representative Midy Cua and Governor Dakila Cua for their visionary leadership in creating the digital infrastructure project for the province.
“Let this achievement fuel our determination to continue empowering our communities, advancing our region’s ICT capabilities, and creating boundless opportunities for all. The success of this launch marks the beginning of a brighter and more connected future for the province of Quirino and the nation,” Uy said.
Uy noted that Quirino’s digital infrastructure project, which aims to establish its wireless network backbone, aligns with the DICT’s goal of providing reliable internet connectivity.
He also highlighted that this effort complements the national broadband plan, Phase 1 of which was launched in April with President Bongbong Marcos.
“Phase 1 will provide high-speed internet connectivity across 13 provinces in Luzon up to Metro Manila, benefiting 346 government agencies and 750,000 employees and citizens,” Uy said.
He assured that phases 2 and 3 would be accelerated and rolled out by the end of the year, expanding access to Regions 2 (including several areas in Quirino), Regions 4A, 5, 8, 10, and 11.
With the recent approval of 16.1 billion pesos in funding from the World Bank, Uy stated that the country’s Digital Infrastructure Project will complete phases 4 and 5, with phase 6 deploying 6,275 kilometers of fiber by 2028, bringing the Philippines closer to a truly connected archipelago.
“With these initiatives coming to fruition, we are not only providing connectivity but also enhancing security and resilience,” Uy said, adding that the program will fortify security defenses and safeguard critical information infrastructure, protecting the country’s digital assets against emerging threats.
Governor Dax Cua mentioned that the provincial government conceptualized the Digital Infrastructure Project due to the challenging geography of Quirino, where many residents live in high-elevation areas with little or no access to connectivity.
“We share President Marcos’ vision of digital connectivity, and with your leadership, Mr. Secretary, we hope this vision will soon become a reality,” Cua said.
He revealed that the provincial government has invested in 92 wifi connectivity sites across the province and plans to invest in 400 more sites in the next phase to cover 96 to 100 percent of the province’s population.
Cua is optimistic that signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the DICT will ensure the last mile is connected to the DICT’s broadband network.
“When this happens, with the backbone of our nation connected to our last mile, Quirinians will be able to connect with different parts of the world. We see today as the dawn of a new era for Quirino Province, bridging our people to the world and the digital age,” Cua said. (OTB/TCB/PIA QUIRINO)
