By:JOSEPHINE MENDOZA
With data/photos from Reyan L. Arinto
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the grand launch of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Backbone (NFB) project in Palo, Leyte during his visit to the Eastern Visayas region on July 07, 2025.
Built on the foundation of Phase 1 launched in April 2024 that spans over 1,200 kilometers from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Quezon City, these 2 new phases cover approximately 1,800 kilomters of newly installed fiber optic cables, extending connectivity to regions such as Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas and parts of Mindanao.
The project reaffirms the government’s commitment to provide fast reliable, and inclusive internet access, especially for communities in remote and underserved areas anchored on recognition that internet access is a basic necessity in today’s digital age.
“Sa panahon ngayon, hind na pribilehiyo ang pagkakaroon ng mabilis na internet - isa na itong pangunahing pangangailangan,” President Marcos said in his speech, underscoring the vital role of digital connectivity in education, employment, business, and everyday communication.
With data/photos from Reyan L. Arinto
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the grand launch of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Backbone (NFB) project in Palo, Leyte during his visit to the Eastern Visayas region on July 07, 2025.
Built on the foundation of Phase 1 launched in April 2024 that spans over 1,200 kilometers from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Quezon City, these 2 new phases cover approximately 1,800 kilomters of newly installed fiber optic cables, extending connectivity to regions such as Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas and parts of Mindanao.
The project reaffirms the government’s commitment to provide fast reliable, and inclusive internet access, especially for communities in remote and underserved areas anchored on recognition that internet access is a basic necessity in today’s digital age.
“Sa panahon ngayon, hind na pribilehiyo ang pagkakaroon ng mabilis na internet - isa na itong pangunahing pangangailangan,” President Marcos said in his speech, underscoring the vital role of digital connectivity in education, employment, business, and everyday communication.
The expanded phases of the NFB projects seeks to significantly nehance the country’s internet infrastructure for wider nationwide coverage.
Strengthening digital infrastructure and public sector connectivity is a strategic priority that ensures no Filipino is left behind in the digital transformation. This is carried in the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of the Marcos administration.
The President stressed that the expansion of the NFB is key to closing the digital divide pointing out that in may far-flung communities, residents are still force to travel long distance just to get online.
Over 600 government offices and an estimated 17M Filipinos will benefit from this expanded network with the President fully noting that with the government owning key infrastructure, operational costs for internet service providers could be reduced - ultimately lowering prices for consumers.
Strengthening digital infrastructure and public sector connectivity is a strategic priority that ensures no Filipino is left behind in the digital transformation. This is carried in the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of the Marcos administration.
The President stressed that the expansion of the NFB is key to closing the digital divide pointing out that in may far-flung communities, residents are still force to travel long distance just to get online.
Over 600 government offices and an estimated 17M Filipinos will benefit from this expanded network with the President fully noting that with the government owning key infrastructure, operational costs for internet service providers could be reduced - ultimately lowering prices for consumers.
Affordable access and faster internet services empowers people to access real time weather alerts, apply for jobs, communicate with loved once abroad and market their products online. Digital education, skills training and timely information from around the world will also be easily made available.
“Ito po ang tinatawag nating Digital Bayanihan - isang sama-samang pagkilos ng pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, at bawat Pilipino upang matiyak na walang maiiwan sa digital world,” the President said.
The National Fiber Backbone project is a flagship initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), aimed at creating a secure, resilient and nationwide fiber optic network that will serve as the backbone of the Philippines’ growing digital ecosystem.(CJ/rla/JMM)
“Ito po ang tinatawag nating Digital Bayanihan - isang sama-samang pagkilos ng pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, at bawat Pilipino upang matiyak na walang maiiwan sa digital world,” the President said.
The National Fiber Backbone project is a flagship initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), aimed at creating a secure, resilient and nationwide fiber optic network that will serve as the backbone of the Philippines’ growing digital ecosystem.(CJ/rla/JMM)
