Palo: The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has welcomed the inclusion of Eastern Visayas in the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Phases 2 and 3, aimed to ensure efficient communication flow during response operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Eastern Visayas RDRRMC chair Lord Byron Torrecarion stated that the NFB project is a significant advancement since the region is part of the nautical highway that links Luzon to Mindanao and the 'entrance of typhoons.' In disaster response, communication is prioritized, as it is essential for sending relief and understanding the needs of affected areas. This was a key lesson learned after Super Typhoon Yolanda, also known internationally as Typhoon Haiyan.
Clear communication lines and structured responsibilities among government agencies are crucial for responders to manage disasters effectively. On July 7, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded the launch of the NFB Project Phases 2 and 3 in Palo, Leyte. This initiative is part of government efforts to extend fast and reliable internet access across more regions, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
The expanded phases of the NFB will provide an additional 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) of bandwidth through 31 new nodes of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). This expansion will benefit at least 20 provinces, 1,000 government agencies, and an estimated 1.39 million users. Phases 2 and 3 aim to expand coverage in Luzon, traverse Eastern Visayas, and establish the groundwork for future connectivity in Mindanao by linking Cagayan de Oro and Davao cities.
Last year, the national government launched NFB Phase 1, the first and only government-owned fiber backbone. This spans 1,245 kilometers from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Roces, Quezon City, complementing the fiber networks provided by private telecommunication companies. The Department of Information and Communications Technology, leading the project, aims to fully connect the country by 2028 through succeeding NFB phases, the Middle Mile Network, and last-mile programs like GovNet and Free Public Internet Access.
