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 significant move of launching the first phase of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB). ‘This is an enormous breakthrough,’ President Marcos said, emphasizing how the project will help build a brighter and more inclusive future for the nation.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first phase of the project stretches 1,245 kilometers from Laoag in Ilocos Norte to Quezon City, providing high-speed Internet to 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. Market vendors can now sell products online, and students in remote villages can attend virtual classes. With Phase 1 completed in less than a year since its launch, DICT is ready to initiate Phases 2 and 3, as Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso revealed on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. These phases aim to expand the network and improve connections in more areas of the country.
‘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. This will provide broadband Internet in government offices and public spaces, making it more accessible to the population.
In addition to Internet connectivity, the NPC is committed to ensuring data security and privacy. It collaborates with the DICT to align the NFB Project with data privacy laws. As the project advances, the NPC remains dedicated to safeguarding citizens’ privacy and building trust in government digital efforts. ‘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, the Free Wi-Fi for All program is operational at 567 spots in Western Visayas, covering hospitals, schools, and airports, especially in areas that need it most. The DICT plans to extend Broadband ng Masa to 450 more sites in Antique and roll out the Mobile Operations Vehicle for Emergency (MOVE), which will provide free Wi-Fi in disaster-hit areas.
The DICT is focused on enhancing Internet access through the National Broadband Plan 2.0 (NBP 2.0), aiming to increase household Internet connectivity from 44 percent to 60 percent by 2028. They are employing fiber-optic cables and wireless technology to reinforce the country’s digital infrastructure. In Bicol, 2,225 Free Wi-Fi units have been established in 830 locations, facilitating easier connectivity. The DICT collaborates with local governments, businesses, and communities to overcome challenges and improve access.
To accelerate this initiative, DICT has partnered with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) via a lease agreement signed on Feb. 28, 2024. NGCP is providing its telecom network and substations to aid in the development of a more reliable national broadband system, which will be crucial in connecting 23 key sites in Luzon.
PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications are also contributing by extending reliable Internet to remote areas, supporting President Marcos’s vision of a digitally connected nation. This effort is a part of the government’s “BroadBand ng Masa” program, which aims to ensure that every Filipino has the opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive in the digital world. The telecommunications company is deploying 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in public universities, with plans to connect all state universities by 2025. It is also exploring 5G wireless access to promote education and innovation in underserved regions. Recently, PLDT secured a PHP2 billion Social Loan to expand its fiber network and is collaborating with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to improve access to government services through technology.
On Jan. 2, 2025, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced the approval of the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, a significant step toward bolstering the country’s digital landscape. With an investment of PHP16.1 billion, the project aims to establish a robust public broadband infrastructure that will deliver high-speed Internet to underserved areas across the Philippines. Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan highlighted that this initiative will enhance connectivity and create economic opportunities for Filipinos by facilitating access to vital digital services.
Looking ahead, the government plans to explore various funding avenues, including public-private partnerships and official development assistance (ODA), to support the continued development 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.
