As Congress prepares for budget deliberations starting next month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is asking lawmakers to allocate more funds to sustain the implementation of the National Broadband Program (NBP).
“At least P200 billion additional funds are needed to fully implement Phases 4, 5, and 6 of NBP’s infrastructure project. These three segments will cover the broadband expansion in Mindanao and Visayas, and all other geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the country,” said DICT spokesman Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso.
DITC’s broadband expansion program was earlier allocated by the National Economic and Development Authority board with a World Bank loan fund of some P16.1 billion. A few months ago, the Private Sector Advisory Council recommended the government to allocate P240 billion to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. Its proposal included a P60 billion budget for DICT over four years to improve broadband connectivity, increase the internet penetration rate to 65 percent, and make digital services more affordable, particularly in GIDAs.
DICT officials have been encouraged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message in his State of the Nation Address to request more funding from Congress to fulfill what has been promised by the administration to the Filipino people. The President has mentioned in his SONAs the need to improve internet connectivity. In his most recent one, he emphasized having directed the agencies concerned to ensure the speed and quality of the digital services that Filipinos deserve.
In this world where technology is advancing at a breakneck speed, access to the internet is fast becoming a right, rather than a privilege. Areas and people who have access to it often achieve progress and development quicker, leveraging the different new digital tools that sometimes have the power to change the world, either for good or for worse.
A government that can make good on its promise to prioritize internet connectivity will effectively make it possible for disadvantaged communities to have access to the same benefits and opportunities that should be available to as many of its people as possible. If this country is going to fast track its progress and development, this should be among its priorities.*
