DICT wants P18B budget for 2027

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said the agency is prepared to defend the proposed budget at congressional deliberations.He noted that the funding would support cloud hosting, cybersecurity and system integration for eGovPH, a government platform that provides access to digital IDs, job applications, medical assistance and other public services.The DICT said eGovPH has recorded more than 61 million downloads and processed over 900 million transactions, providing access to more than 1,300 government services.The proposed budget would also support the rollout of eGovAI, which will use artificial intelligence to automate document processing, as well as the expansion of the government’s cloud infrastructure.“We’re building the infrastructure behind the administration’s digital push,” Aguda said.The DICT is also implementing the National Digital Connectivity Plan, which aims to provide universal internet access by 2028 and reduce connectivity costs through the expansion of fiber, satellite and submarine cable infrastructure.Aguda said the government is working to connect all public schools to the internet before the 2028 target, with coverage already exceeding 99 percent.“Our engineers are working with telco partners and local communities to reach the last remote sites by satellite,” he said, adding that the DICT is also prioritizing reliable internet access in barangay halls and health centers in isolated communities.The connectivity program is being pursued alongside the Broadband ng Masa and Konektadong Pinoy initiatives aimed at expanding internet access and increasing competition in the telecommunications sector.Aguda also cited the proposed Pax Silica hub in Clark, which the DICT expects could generate up to 500,000 jobs, as part of the government’s broader digital development program.