Pasay city: Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda called for collective action from the private, public, and civil sectors to ensure digital connectivity in every corner of the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the Philippine Telecom Summit (PTS) 2026 in Pasay City on Thursday, Aguda dubbed the collective action 'Digital Bayanihan,' aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure that no Filipino is left offline. Aguda emphasized the need for government, telcos, investors, innovators, and local communities to collaborate, ensuring connectivity for every Filipino, from the highest mountains to the farthest islands.
He highlighted that connectivity is no longer just a technological issue but is now intrinsically linked to the economy, job market, and inclusion, which shape investments, education, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) growth, and the delivery of government services. The Digital Bayanihan program is bolstered by Republic Act 12234, or the 'Konektadong Pinoy' law, and the construction of telecommunications infrastructure under the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) program.
National Telecommunications Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez, in her message, emphasized the importance of multisectoral cooperation in building connectivity and the NFB program as key to bringing reliable internet service to underserved and remote areas. She stated that achieving a truly connected Filipino community requires sustained cooperation and collective responsibility, not just policy measures.
The PTS 2026 is a high-level, multi-stakeholder dialogue that brought together high-ranking executives in the telecommunications sector, as well as the country's top government officials in telecommunications, including President Marcos. The summit aims to highlight the importance of partnership, collaboration, and shared responsibility in advancing inclusive, reliable, and accessible digital services for all Filipinos, aligned with the theme, 'Where Policy, Infrastructure, and Investment Align to Power the Philippines' Digital Future.'
