NEDA greenlights P16.1B budget for DICT’s national broadband program

The National Economic and Development Authority has approved the P16.1 billion budget for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP).

The PDIP is a flagship initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which aims to enhance the country’s broadband activity and bring high-speed internet connection, especially in isolated and disadvantaged areas or remote barangays in the country.

The allotted budget will be financed through official development assistance from the World Bank.

“The Philippines needs reforms and increased investment in broadband infrastructure,” the World Bank said.

The digital infrastructure project has five major components: backbone network, middle-mile network, access network (last-mile), network security, and project management support.

The public broadband infrastructure network will be constructed across the country.

“Broadband services have already opened up numerous opportunities for Filipinos, from work-from-home arrangements to digital access to critical public and private services, including the latest technological tools such as artificial intelligence,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

“This project will also enable us to connect more Filipinos to markets and networks, spurring economic development,” he added.

NEDA also approved the adjustments of nine ongoing infrastructures concerning enhancing internet connectivity.

These adjustments involve the project scope, cost, extension of the implementation period, and loan validity.

“The adjustments to these ongoing infrastructure projects were necessary to ensure their successful completion, advancing our national efforts to expand and upgrade our infrastructure, improve connectivity, and create more jobs,” Balisacan said.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/AOL, GMA Integrated News