IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the grand launch of the Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Project at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hote in Pasay City on April 19, 2024. In his speech, Marcos said the NFB Project is vital in attaining the economic transformation in the country. (Photo from RTVM)
MANILA – What was once a dream of every Filipino being connected to fast and reliable Internet anywhere in the Philippines is now becoming a reality.
On April 19, 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made the big move—launching the first phase of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB). “This is an enormous breakthrough,” President Marcos said, stressing how the project will help build a brighter and more inclusive future for the nation.
The first phase of the project stretches 1,245 kilometers from Laoag in Ilocos Norte to Quezon City, making available high-speed Internet in 14 provinces in Northern and Central Luzon. This legacy project will connect 346 government offices, potentially saving over PHP 145 million each year. It will create 3,000 Free Wi-Fi spots, giving about 750,000 Filipinos the chance to get online for the first time.
“This is the infrastructure that will open employment opportunities, improve market efficiency, attract foreign investment, and stimulate livelihood across the different sectors of our economy and our society,” the President said during the launch.
The NFB is a game-changer; it will make a real difference in people’s lives. Take the market vendor who can now sell her products online. Or think about the student in a remote village who can finally attend virtual classes.
And with Phase 1 completed in less than a year since its launch. DICT is ready to put Phases 2 and 3 into motion, Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso bared on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. Phases 2 and 3 will grow the network and bring better connections to more areas of the country. The rest of the project is not far behind.
“With the support of the World Bank, we’ve secured a $288 million loan to complete Phases 4 and 5. Finally, Phase 6 will tie everything together, ensuring full connectivity for Regions I, III, IV-B, and especially BARMM,” Paraiso said.
All these will put broadband Internet in government offices and public spaces. This way, more people can access it.
Making data secure, protected
But it is not all about Internet reach and speed. With the digital world rapidly evolving, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) is dedicated to finding the right balance between expanding connectivity and protecting personal data.
The NPC works hand in hand with the DICT to ensure that the NFB Project follows data privacy laws. Together, they aim to protect the rights of Filipinos while driving digital inclusivity and boosting the country’s digital economy.
As the project moves forward, the NPC remains committed to safeguarding citizens’ privacy, building trust in government digital efforts, and creating a secure, transparent, and efficient digital landscape for everyone. “Certainly, the NPC will continuously support the DICT in the subsequent phases of the project, aiming to foster digital inclusivity and strengthen the digital economy across the country, while ensuring that the data-privacy rights of the Filipino people are protected,” said NPC Commissioner Atty. John Henry Naga.
Meanwhile, as of Nov. 19, 2024, the Free Wi-Fi for All program is up and running at 567 spots in Western Visayas. You’ll find it in places like hospitals, schools, airports, and terminals, especially in areas that need it most. The DICT wants to add Broadband ng Masa to 450 more sites in Antique. Plus, they’re rolling out the Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (MOVE). This vehicle has drones and Starlink. It will help keep communication strong and offer free Wi-Fi in disaster-hit areas for both responders and locals.
60-percent of households connected by 2028
The DICT is dedicated to bringing better Internet access to more Filipinos—especially in areas that need it most—through the National Broadband Plan 2.0 (NBP 2.0). They aim to boost household Internet connectivity from 44 percent to 60 percent by 2028.
By using fiber-optic cables and wireless tech, the DICT is creating a stronger digital foundation for the country. In Bicol, for example, 2,225 Free Wi-Fi units have already been set up in 830 locations, making it easier for people to connect. The DICT is working with local governments, businesses and communities in various parts of the country to address challenges and improve access.
To fast-track this goal, DICT has tapped National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) through a lease agreement signed on Feb. 28, 2024. NGCP is offering its private telecom network and substations to help build a more reliable national broadband system. The infrastructure will play a key role in bringing fiber-optic cables to 23 important sites in Luzon.
Whole-of-nation approach
PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications are teaming up to bring reliable Internet to remote areas of the Philippines, supporting President Marcos’s vision of a digitally connected country. This effort is part of the government’s “BroadBand ng Masa” program, which aims to make sure that every Filipino, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive in the digital world.
The giant telecom is rolling out 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in public universities, with plans to connect all state universities by 2025. The company is also exploring 5G wireless access to help foster education and innovation in underserved regions. Recently, PLDT secured a PHP2 billion Social Loan to expand its fiber network. It is collaborating with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to make government services more accessible through technology. On Jan. 2, 2025, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced the approval of the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, a vital step toward enhancing the country’s digital landscape.
With an investment of PHP16.1 billion, the project aims to build a robust public broadband infrastructure that will bring high-speed Internet to underserved areas across the Philippines.
National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said this initiative will not only improve connectivity but also open up new economic opportunities for Filipinos, helping them access vital digital services. “This project will construct a public broadband infrastructure network to enhance broadband connectivity and bring high-speed internet connections to disadvantaged areas, thus creating more economic opportunities for Filipinos,” Secretary Balisacan said.
Looking ahead, the government plans to explore various funding avenues, including public-private partnerships and official development assistance (ODA), to support the continued growth of the nation’s infrastructure. This collaborative effort aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all Filipinos can participate in the digital economy and benefit from inclusive growth. (PNA)
