In what is described as a significant move to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board of the Philippines has approved a flagship infrastructure project designed to boost broadband connectivity nationwide, particularly in remote areas, and strengthen cybersecurity.
At a meeting earlier this week, the NEDA Board gave the green light to the plan, known as the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP).
With a budget of PhP16.1 billion (about US$274.4 million), financed through official development assistance from the World Bank, NEDA says the PDIP is set to enhance the country’s broadband connectivity and bring high-speed internet connection even in disadvantaged areas, augment digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, stimulate private sector investments, and strengthen capacity for cybersecurity and for protecting critical information infrastructure.
The project, which is anchored on the National Broadband Programme, a flagship initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), involves the construction of a public broadband infrastructure network, whose main components will be a backbone network, a middle-mile network, an access network, network security, and project management support.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said of the news: “Broadband services have already opened up numerous opportunities for Filipinos, from work-from-home arrangements to digital access to critical public and private services, including the latest technological tools such as artificial intelligence. This project will enable us to connect more Filipinos to markets and networks, spurring economic development.”
