DICT to allocate P13.4B in 2021 budget to improve internet connectivity
MANILA, Philippines — Over P13 billion of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) budget for 2021 will be allocated for the improvement of internet connectivity and accessibility.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DICT said P13.5 billion will be allotted to the implementation of National Broadband Program (NBP) which aims to make internet connectivity “pervasive, accessible, and more affordable for the public.”
“The call for faster and more accessible internet connectivity has never been more immediate as we aim to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis while preparing for the demands of the new normal under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte,” DICT chief Gregorio Honasan II said.
The agency noted that the budget allocation for NBP for 2020 was only P296 million.
The National Broadband Program is the national government’s initiative in building and enhancing existing ICT broadband infrastructure.
DICT, together the Bases Conversion Development Authority, has already completed the construction of the Cable Landing Stations at Baler, Aurora and Poro Point, La Union.
The construction of the 240-kilometer fiber highway is also underway and expected to improve access to 2Tbps capacity by 2021.
“The P13.4 billion earmarked for the NBP in 2021 envisions increased public reach of connectivity services by developing and enhancing our digital infrastructures,” Honasan said.
“The establishment of a national fiber optic backbone is a very pressing matter, not just in light of the public health emergency, but for the sake of national competitiveness. We are putting in place these strategies to reinvigorate the country’s participation in the global digital economy to achieve our vision of a Digital Philippines,” he added.
The DICT is proposing a total 2021 budget of P46.6 billion to fund five key strategic programs to propel government digital transformation as the nation transitions to the new normal.
These are digital connectivity and access, digital government, digital education and digital workforce, digital cities and provinces, and cybersecurity.
