MANILA – One of the key priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is to connect every island in the Philippines to the internet, creating a foundation where digital inclusion drives equitable progress for all Filipinos.
Under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, enhancing public sector connectivity has become a central focus. The shift to digital solutions in social protection programs is designed to ensure inclusive access, leaving no Filipino behind.
Leading this mission is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), transforming the nation’s connectivity landscape through the BroadBand ng Masa Program, which includes the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the Free Wi-Fi For All Program. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive economic development, ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of location, has the opportunity to thrive in the digital era.
The NBP has gained significant momentum under the Marcos administration. This includes the broader launch of the National Fiber Backbone, which connects more Filipino households to reliable internet access.
The plan is tailored to overcome the challenges posed by the country’s archipelagic geography, extending the promise of digital access to even the most remote and underserved communities.
DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy emphasized the transformative power of connectivity, aligning the program with President Marcos’s directive to prioritize geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
“The President’s first instruction was to bring connectivity to the most remote areas,” Uy said. “Connectivity is not just about access to the internet. It is about creating opportunities for inclusive economic activity, empowering communities, and improving lives.”
Transforming lives through connectivity
Uy highlighted how connectivity strengthens communities by enabling financial transactions, improving access to healthcare, and stimulating local economies.
“Connectivity brings the government closer to the people,” Uy stated. “It ensures that their voices are heard, their needs are addressed, and their aspirations are supported. This is what good governance looks like in the digital age.”
Bridging communities: BroadBand ng Masa Program: NBP and Free Wi-Fi for All
The NBP serves as the backbone of the country’s digital infrastructure, working hand in hand with the DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All initiative to deliver reliable internet access to provinces, municipalities, and barangays.
Uy likened the broadband network to a national highway, linking smaller networks and enabling essential services to reach even the most rural areas efficiently.
The Free Wi-Fi for All program, established through Republic Act No. 10929 or the “Free Internet Access in Public Places Act of 2017,” underscores the essential role of information and communications technology in nation-building.
With the DICT at the helm, free internet access now extends to public spaces such as government offices, public schools, state universities, hospitals, rural health units, public parks, libraries, transport terminals, and even seaports as well as tourist destinations.
“This project is not just about Wi-Fi. It is about reaching the last mile, the faraway barangays, distant islands, and remote mountains,” Uy said.
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, President Marcos reported that nearly 10 million unique user devices benefit from free internet in over 13,000 locations across the country.
Building on this progress, the DICT has increased the number of free Wi-Fi sites to over 15,000, with a target of 125,000 nationwide by 2028.
DICT’s Connectivity Initiatives Envision a Digitally Inclusive Nation Mindanao remains a priority for the DICT, where internet penetration lags behind the national average of 73.6 percent. In some regions, such as in Caraga (Region 13), penetration rates are as low as 17 percent.
Empowering communities through partnerships
As part of its Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), the DICT has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the CoRe FW4A project, which increases access to free internet across the Philippines. This collaboration has resulted in the activation of 1,000 free Wi-Fi access points in 220 higher education institutions.
Uy emphasized the role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future. “Our young people are the future of this country. To prepare them for the challenges ahead, we must give them the tools to succeed,” Uy said.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring students have access to modern technologies. “Our youth need connectivity to access courses, learning materials, and opportunities that will allow them to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” Uy added.
For students like Ron Cabardo from Cebu City, the free Wi-Fi program has been a lifeline. “The free Wi-Fi is a big help for students like me who do not have internet at home. Instead of going to coffee shops to submit assignments, we now have access in our schools,”
Cabardo said. “I hope they continue expanding the number of free Wi-Fi sites, especially in schools, because it is essential for our studies.”
In 2023, the DICT and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate information and communications technology into higher education. This partnership aims to enhance the quality of education and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.
The National Fiber Backbone: Driving growth
At the core of the NBP is the National Fiber Backbone, which leverages the fiber optic cables of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
With 127 nodes spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, this infrastructure lays the foundation for robust nationwide connectivity.
In collaboration with private sector partners like Meta, the DICT is enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, brings its global expertise to this initiative, helping to build a more connected Philippines.
In his 2024 SONA, President Marcos announced the completion of Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone.
“Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone is now operational, marking the start of a truly connected Philippines,” he said. “Phases 2 and 3 are already underway and will be completed by early 2025.”
Phase 1, launched in April 2024, spans 1,245 kilometers and connects 14 provinces in Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, several eco-zones, and two national government data centers. The project directly benefits 11.6 million individuals and improves connectivity for 346 government offices.
Changing lives through connectivity
As of 2022, only 77 percent of Filipino households, or 20.6 million homes, had internet access. The Marcos administration is determined to increase this number, focusing on GIDAs to ensure that no community is left behind.
Expanding connectivity will open doors to financial inclusion, economic growth, and sustainable development.
During a sectoral meeting on the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP) 2024-2028, the President emphasized the importance of prioritizing GIDAs.
“We must address the gaps in digital access and ensure that every Filipino has the tools to participate in our nation’s progress,” he said.
A legacy of inclusion
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has approved a PHP16.1 billion Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP) financed through Official Development Assistance from the World Bank. This project will expand the reach of free Wi-Fi initiatives and enhance the nation’s connectivity infrastructure.
Through the NBP, the government is building a Philippines where digital inclusion is not just a goal but a reality. By empowering communities with connectivity, the DICT is fostering a more equitable and prosperous nation.
“Connectivity is not just about technology. It is about people and the opportunities that come with it,” Uy said. “We are building a future where every Filipino can thrive, no matter where they live.
