President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. launched Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone projects on Monday, reinforcing the government’s dedication to digital inclusion and infrastructure development by expanding internet connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
“This is a joyous day because we are connecting the whole Philippines,” President Marcos said in his keynote speech at the grand launch of the National Fiber Backbone Phases 2 and 3 in Palo, Leyte.
President Marcos described the project as a “bridge of information” that will help Filipinos, regardless of geographic location, access the digital world.
He further emphasized that fast and reliable internet is no longer a privilege but a basic need.
However, the President acknowledged the glaring digital divide in the country, with many Filipinos, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), still lacking access to stable internet.
“Some parts of the country still do not have signal,” he said. “So here we are now to bring the internet closer to everyone,” he added.
Phase 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone involves the installation of nearly 1,800 kilometers of high-speed fiber-optic cable, stretching across regions including Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Central Mindanao.
This builds on the over 1,000 kilometers laid in Phase 1 from Ilocos Norte to Quezon City last year.
The expanded network will connect over 600 government offices and benefit nearly 17 million Filipinos.
The President said the national infrastructure would also help reduce operational costs for telecommunications companies, enabling them to provide more affordable internet services.
“More affordable internet, more Filipinos will benefit,” he said.
He described this effort as part of a broader “digital bayanihan,” a shared mission by government, private sector, and citizens to ensure no one is left behind in the digital era.
From timely disaster alerts to accessing job opportunities and online learning, the President said the fiber backbone would bring crucial services and knowledge to even the most remote barangays.
“Our government will not stop until the entire country is connected,” he said, vowing that every Filipino will have access to knowledge and opportunity.
