As Congress prepares for budget discussions next month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is urging lawmakers to allocate more funds to support the National Broadband Program (NBP).
DICT’s Spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso, highlighted the need for at least P200 billion in additional funds to fully implement Phases 4, 5, and 6 of the NBP.
These phases are critical for expanding broadband coverage in Mindanao, the Visayas, and other geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the country.
Phase 1 of the NBP, launched in April 2024, covers the region from Baler, Aurora to Laoag, Ilocos Norte, extending to Metro Manila.
Phases 2 and 3, which aim to connect Metro Manila to Southern Luzon, are expected to be completed within the year.
Previously, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) allocated P16.1 billion for the broadband expansion program, funded by a World Bank loan.
Recently, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) recommended a P240-billion budget to enhance the nation’s digital infrastructure.
This includes P60 billion for DICT to improve broadband connectivity, boost internet penetration to 65 percent, and make digital services more affordable, especially in GIDAs, over the next four years.
Paraiso noted that DICT Chief Ivan Uy and the agency’s fiscal planners were encouraged by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) for increased funding to meet the administration’s promises to the Filipino people.
The President’s third SONA emphasized the need to address the low internet access rates, with only 77 percent of the country’s 20.6 million households having broadband connectivity.
In his previous SONAs, the President also highlighted the importance of improving internet connectivity.
He has instructed relevant agencies to ensure that digital services meet the high-speed and quality standards expected by Filipinos.
Paraiso emphasized that the upcoming budget hearings, from August to November, present a crucial opportunity for DICT to advocate for sufficient funding to complete the six-phase digital infrastructure project under the national broadband program.
“The budget proposal for national expenditures has already been submitted to Congress. Government agencies are now awaiting budget reviews from various House and Senate committees,” Paraiso added.
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