Makati city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative to ensure internet connectivity for all public schools by the end of 2025 is making significant progress, as the current connectivity rate has surpassed 70 percent.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda announced during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry membership meeting in Makati City that President Marcos was previously informed that only about 60 percent of public schools had internet access. This leaves approximately 12,000 schools, particularly those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), without connectivity.

Secretary Aguda reported that, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the connectivity rate has now reached 78 percent. He emphasized the importance of transparency in government projects, stating that showcasing infrastructure development funded by taxpayers encourages public engagement and verification.

The government remains focused on enhancing internet connectivity through the expansion of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project. Phase 1 of the project, covering over 1,200 kilometers from Laoag in Ilocos Norte to Quezon City, has been completed. Phases 2 and 3 are underway, aiming to install fiber optic internet cables over an approximately 1,800-kilometer area from Cagayan Valley to Mindanao, potentially benefiting around 17 million people.

Aguda highlighted ongoing collaboration with telecommunications companies to advance this program, underscoring the government's commitment to connecting all public schools across the nation.