President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the Philippines’ first National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), a strategic framework aimed at accelerating broadband rollout, lowering internet costs, and providing reliable, secure digital access for millions of Filipinos nationwide.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the NDCP is a product of an “extensive and deliberate consultative process” that began in early 2024.

Gomez said the plan “envisions a Digitally Connected Philippines -one where connectivity is meaningful, inclusive, and transformative, anchored on universal access, affordability, higher speeds, and secure digital services for all Filipinos.”

He said the NDCP has four strategic pillars, including plans to strengthen governance and regulatory framework to liberalize the industry, promote competition, and lower barriers to entry; expand universal access to ensure that no community, particularly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, is left behind; intensify infrastructure investment by leveraging public-private partnerships to accelerate nationwide rollout and scale; and ensure that digital infrastructure and assets are resilient, capable of withstanding climate-related risks, disasters, and cybersecurity threats.

Gomez said the President acknowledged that the Philippines is now “playing catch up” as its Southeast Asian neighbors have already implemented the same as early as 10 years ago.

“But with technology now more advanced and at less cost, he is confident we will soon be at par in terms of connectivity, speed and cost,” the PCO chief said. (PNA)