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As the Philippines Congress prepares for budget deliberations next month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is advocating for increased funding to support the National Broadband Programme (NBP). The push for increased funding and infrastructure development underscores a broader commitment to addressing digital access disparities and enhancing the quality of internet services across the Philippines.
DICT’s spokesman, Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso, has highlighted the need for an additional P200 billion (approximately US$ 3.6 billion) to fully execute Phases 4, 5, and 6 of the NBP. These phases are crucial for expanding broadband access in Mindanao, the Visayas, and other isolated and disadvantaged areas throughout the country.
Phase 1 of the NBP, which launched in April 2024, covers a route from Baler in Quezon to Laoag in Ilocandia and extends to Metro Manila. Phases 2 and 3 are set to connect Metro Manila to Southern Luzon and are expected to be completed within the year. The programme initially received a P16.1 billion (approximately US$ 290 million) loan from the World Bank, allocated by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board.
Earlier this year, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) proposed a budget of P240 billion (approximately US$ 4.3 billion) to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. This proposed budget includes P60 billion (approximately US$ 1.1 billion) over four years for DICT, aimed at improving broadband connectivity, increasing internet penetration to 65%, and making digital services more affordable, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
DICT’s Chief, Ivan Uy, along with the agency’s fiscal planners, has been encouraged by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address to seek more funding from Congress. In his third SONA, the President addressed the issue of low internet access, noting that only 77% of the country’s 20.6 million households have broadband connectivity. He reiterated his commitment to improving digital services and ensuring that Filipinos receive the high-quality internet services they deserve.
The upcoming budget hearings, scheduled from August to November, present a critical opportunity for DICT to advocate for sufficient funding to complete the six-phase digital infrastructure project under the NBP. “The budget proposal for national expenditures has already been submitted to Congress. Government agencies are now awaiting budget calls from various House and Senate committees,” Paraiso said.
In addition to advocating for budget increases, DICT has announced plans to construct over 30,000 new cell towers this year to enhance internet connectivity. Currently, there are approximately 12,000 independent common towers across the country, most of which are privately owned.
DICT Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado explained that the effectiveness of cell towers in providing good internet connectivity depends on their proximity and the technology used. For instance, 5G technology requires closer spacing of cell towers compared to older technologies like 3G or 2G.
According to DICT spokesperson Aboy Paraiso, the coverage radius of cell towers plays a significant role in their effectiveness. A single tower can serve up to 4,000 households, but its coverage area is more critical than the exact number of households. The effectiveness of each tower is measured in kilometres, reflecting the distance it can cover.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has already approved a P16.1 billion (approximately US$ 290 million) budget for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project to boost the country’s broadband connectivity. Research firms have stressed the need for further investment to improve internet connectivity and reduce costs.
As Congress prepares to review the budget, the DICT’s proposals and ongoing initiatives will be pivotal in shaping the future of the nation’s digital landscape.
