In his second State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had emphasised the need to digitalise government services, positioning it as a key element of his ten-point agenda for the nation’s economic renewal and growth.
“Digitalisation is the call of today; not of the future – but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today,” he declared.
The Philippine government has placed significant emphasis on advancing the country’s information and communications technology (ICT). At the forefront of this transformation is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which has launched numerous programmes and initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and resilient digital nation.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy highlighted that the agency is working diligently to connect Filipinos with reliable, secure digital services. He stressed that digitalisation is key to the country’s global competitiveness, as bridging the digital divide can also bridge economic, gender, and generational divides.
“Digitalisation is the way…to make our country competitive worldwide. This is the way to breach the digital divide,” Uy explained.
A cornerstone of DICT’s efforts is enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure. In 2024, President Marcos approved the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP), a US$ 288-million initiative. The PDIP aims to enhance broadband connectivity, particularly in remote areas, and bolster the country’s cybersecurity framework.
A major part of this initiative includes completing the national fibre backbone, connecting Metro Manila to Southern Luzon, and establishing 772 free Wi-Fi sites across Mindanao, focusing on Regions XI and XIII.
To foster a digitally skilled population, DICT has expanded its Tech4ED Centres to offer digital literacy, livelihood training, and online government services. By December 2024, over 2,500 centres were established, providing courses on financial technology, entrepreneurship, and ICT skills. Additionally, ICT Skills Roadmap Workshops are strengthening the local workforce for digital careers.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have played a critical role in accelerating the development of the country’s ICT infrastructure. In September 2024, the PPP Centre hosted a Round Table Discussion on “Catalysing Investment: Strategies for Private Sector Engagement in ICT Infrastructure”, aimed at improving DICT’s capacity to implement effective PPP projects.
Through strategic partnerships, DICT established Digital Transformation Centres (DTCs) for ICT training, innovation, and co-working. DICT also partnered with Baguio City to design a National Government Data Centre and DTC-Innovation Hub, fostering ICT upskilling, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the region.
To address the digital divide, DICT’s “Free Wi-Fi for All” project has made significant strides. By November 2024, 1,195 free Wi-Fi sites were activated across Central Luzon, providing over 446,000 Filipinos with reliable internet access to enhance communication, education, and economic opportunities.
Looking ahead, DICT continues to prioritise digital transformation, with the National Broadband Plan aiming to establish a robust digital infrastructure across the Philippines. The DICT has rolled out fibre-optic and satellite connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to ensure remote regions are connected to the digital economy.
To safeguard this growing digital infrastructure, the DICT has ramped up cybersecurity measures. In 2024, the Cybersecurity Bureau launched enhanced initiatives under the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028, including real-time threat intelligence sharing and nationwide awareness campaigns to defend against the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks.
The Philippines is set to lead Southeast Asia’s digital economy, with DICT driving innovation, economic growth, and social development. Through investments in infrastructure, workforce upskilling, and cybersecurity, the country is preparing for a digitally resilient, competitive, inclusive, technology-driven future that fosters global collaboration.
As DICT continues its mission to transform the country, its work serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to building a “Bagong Pilipinas” – a future-ready nation prepared for the challenges and opportunities of a digital world.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Samaya Dharmaraj
Quelle/Source: Open Gov, 10.03.2025
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