PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given the green light to the National Digital Connectivity Master Plan (NDCP), the government’s first-ever infrastructure master plan meant to deliver fast, secure and inclusive digital connectivity nationwide, Malacañang said on Monday.
It was the product of an extensive and deliberate consultative process, which began with regional consultations in early 2024 and was later refined through successive sectoral discussions, interagency technical working groups, and technical board presentations, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The NDCP envisions a Digitally Connected Philippines, one where connectivity is inclusive and transformative, anchored on universal access, affordability, higher speeds, and secure digital services for all Filipinos.
It will be operationalized through four strategic pillars.
First, by strengthening governance and regulatory framework to liberalize the industry, promote competition, and lower entry barriers; second, by expanding universal access to ensure digital connectivity for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Second, by expanding universal access to ensure that no community, particularly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, is left behind.
Third, by intensifying infrastructure investment, leveraging public-private partnerships to accelerate and scale up the nationwide rollout, and by ensuring resilient, climate- and disaster-proof, and cyber-secured digital infrastructure and assets.
“We will intensify infrastructure investment by leveraging public-private partnerships to accelerate nationwide rollout and scale. Finally, we will ensure that our digital infrastructure and assets are resilient, capable of withstanding climate-related risks, disasters, and cybersecurity threats,” PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement.
The NDCP was approved by the Economy and Development Council-Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development and comprised of the Office of the Executive Secretary, Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Agriculture, Budget and Management, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, Energy, Finance, Transportation, Public Works and Highways, and Trade and Industry.
“The president noted that we are playing catch-up with our Asean neighbors, who have done this as early as 10 years ago. But with technology now more advanced and at less cost, he is confident we will soon be at par in terms of connectivity, speed and cost,” Gomez said.
Meanwhile, the approval of NDCP underscores the government’s resolve to bridge the digital divide, strengthen economic competitiveness, and ensure that digital connectivity serves as a resilient backbone for inclusive growth and national development, the DICT earlier said.
The plan’s key 2028 targets include universal internet access for public schools, barangay halls, and health centers; a 30 to 50 percent reduction in internet costs; and an increase in the nationwide average internet speed.
