MANILA – In his second State of the Nation Address in 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored digitalizing government services as part of his ten-point agenda for economic renewal and long-term growth.
Envisioning a Digital Philippines, he said: “Digitalization is the call of today; not of the future—but of the present. It is here. It is needed, and it is needed today.”
Under his leadership, the government puts a strong emphasis on advancing the country’s information and communications technology (ICT). At the forefront is the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which has rolled out various programs and projects to build a more inclusive and resilient digital nation.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy pointed out that the agency is working twice as hard in bringing its services closer to the people. It strives to link Filipinos to reliable and secure connectivity and provide tools and information on the responsible use of digital data.
“Digitalization is the way … to make our country competitive worldwide. This is the way to breach the digital divide because when you have a digital divide, you have an economic divide, a gender divide, a generational divide. So, we need to bridge that. That’s what we’re doing in all these digitization efforts,” he said.
Digital-infra enhancement, literacy and skills development
At the heart of DICT’s programs and initiatives is improving the nation’s digital infrastructure. As a staunch supporter of DICT’s digitalization efforts, President Marcos in 2024 approved the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP), a US$288-million endeavor funded by a World Bank loan. Its main objective is to boost broadband connectivity nationwide—especially in remote areas—and strengthen cybersecurity.
The PDIP also covers the completion of the national fiber backbone, connecting Metro Manila to Southern Luzon, and the establishment of 772 free Wi-Fi sites across Mindanao, with emphasis on Regions XI and XIII.
To build a digitally adept populace, the DICT has expanded its flagship Tech4ED Centers, which provide communities with access to digital literacy programs, livelihood training, and online government services.
As of December 2024, more than 2,500 Tech4ED Centers have been established in barangays, schools, and local government offices, offering courses on financial technology, entrepreneurship, and advanced ICT skills development.
Similarly, ICT Skills Roadmap Workshops help strengthen the local ICT workforce, equipping residents with advanced digital skills, while providing more digital opportunities and encouraging exploration of various career paths. The roadmap highlights a city’s or municipality’s profile and strategic programs, focusing on improved infrastructure, business growth, and digital workforce development.
Digital inclusion and partnerships
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) has been key in accelerating ICT infrastructure development. In September 2024, the PPP Center participated in a Round Table Discussion on “Catalyzing Investment: Strategies for Private Sector Engagement in ICT Infrastructure,” sought to enhance the DICT’s capacity to implement viable PPP projects.
Through PPPs, DICT has also established Digital Transformation Centers (DTCs) to serve as hubs for ICT skills and literacy training. These centers function as co-working spaces, developing the capacities of Filipinos to take part in the digital economy. In October 2021, DICT signed an agreement with the Government of Baguio City for the design and management of a National Government Data Center (NGDC) and a DTC-Innovation Hub. This partnership aims to enhance ICT upskilling efforts and strengthen the ICT entrepreneurship ecosystem in Baguio City.
To help address the digital divide, DICT provides, among other programs, free Wi-Fi in underserved areas. As of November 2024, DICT has installed and activated 1,195 free Wi-Fi sites across Central Luzon as part of its “Free Wi-Fi for All” project. This has provided reliable Internet access to over 446,000 Filipinos, facilitating better communication, education, and economic development.
Keeping the Momentum
The DICT continues to push digital transformation forward. Recognizing that sustained collaboration is vital to long-term success, DICT has strengthened its partnerships with national government agencies and local government units, private-sector stakeholders, and international organizations to further expand ICT accessibility and digital opportunities.
It has put the National Broadband Plan (NBP), which aims to establish a robust digital infrastructure backbone across the country, on the fast track. In 2024, the DICT rolled out fiber-optic and satellite connectivity, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
These developments are expected to bridge the digital divide, enabling more Filipinos to participate in the digital economy and access essential online services such as telemedicine, e-learning, and e-commerce.
To ensure cybersecurity resilience, the DICT also intensified protection of digital infrastructures from cyber threats. In 2024, the Cybersecurity Bureau launched enhanced initiatives under the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028, implementing real-time threat intelligence sharing and bolstering cybersecurity awareness campaigns nationwide. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, these measures are designed to safeguard critical information assets in both the public and private sectors.
As the Philippines leaps toward a more digitally inclusive future, DICT remains steadfast in its mission to create a technology-driven society that fosters innovation, economic growth, and social development. By leveraging digitalization as a key enabler of national development, the agency is not only enhancing connectivity but also empowering Filipinos to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Through sustained investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, and cybersecurity, the Philippines is on track to becoming a leading digital economy in Southeast Asia. DICT’s initiatives serve as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to building “Bagong Pilipinas,” a future-ready nation—one that is digitally resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive. (PNA)