FOR broader internet connectivity on the country, Senator Loren Legarda pushes for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2699, or the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act.
“At present, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” Legarda stressed.
She said it is vital to invest in the further development of data transmission services, narrowing the digital divide in the country toward holistic national growth.
“It is our goal to also democratize the digital marketplace by eliminating regulatory barriers and promoting a technology-neutral policy framework to create a fair and open environment for all service providers,” she added.
If enacted into law, the measure will provide accessible internet connections by fostering fair competition and removing barriers in the data transmission sector.
It also aims to lower costs and increase access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos.
Legarda was the principal author of Republic Act No. 10844, which established the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“I have consistently pushed for initiatives to enhance our ICT infrastructure and services. In my home province of Antique, I have supported the ‘Broadband ng Masa’ Project (BBMP), in partnership with the DICT through which 450 Wi-Fi sites across 150 barangays have been installed,” she recalled.
“Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, this initiative marks a significant step in equipping our communities and bridging the existing digital gap,” Legarda said.
“It is imperative that we prioritize digital inclusivity at this present time, acknowledging the importance of innovations in national development,” she noted.
All 18 municipalities in Legarda’s home province of Antique are now connected to the internet through the installation of Starlink satellites through her initiative and personal intervention.
