Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector to boost broadband connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to improve internet connectivity in Eastern Visayas' remote areas during a meeting with the Regional Development Council in Tacloban City last week.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the role of private partners is crucial in addressing the challenges the government is facing as it aims to provide the public with faster Internet. "Hindi ganoon kadali ito, lalo na sinabi mo nga liblib na lugar. So, kinakailangan talaga dito ng imprastraktura at nabanggit din po na tayo ay maaaring makipag-ugnayan o makipag-collaborate sa mga pribadong korporasyon para po maisakatuparan ito (It's not that easy, especially since you said it's a remote area. So, infrastructure is really needed here, and it is also mentioned that we can contact or collaborate with private corporations to make this happen)," Castro said.
Castro stressed that internet is "not just a luxury" but is also "a necessity." She emphasized that improving internet access for Filipinos can significantly enhance their livelihood and intellectual capacity. "So, with this, if we can improve the access of all the Filipino people to internet so that they can at least research, make a good use of this internet, it will definitely improve the livelihood-not only the livelihood, even the intellectual capacity of every Filipino," she added.
The government has an annual budget of PHP6.5 billion to cover internet access in over 7,000 locations. Earlier this month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced its plan to overhaul the Free Wi-Fi Program, citing high costs and inefficiencies in the current setup. The DICT is eyeing to enhance school connectivity and use 40,000 locations for broadcasting educational content to enhance digital learning nationwide. It is also shifting focus to mobile network expansion.
