Digital connectivity now a national priority as PH’s first infrastructure masterplan gets green light

• Photo courtesy of DICT

The Philippines has taken a major step toward accelerating its digital transformation, with the approval of the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), the country’s first national infrastructure master plan dedicated to digital connectivity.

The plan’s approval by the Infrastructure Development Committee (INFRACOM) was formally confirmed during the 7th Economy and Development (ED) Council meeting on Monday, January 26, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Bahay Pangulo Pavilion in Otis, Manila. 

The confirmation aligns with Executive Order No. 72, s. 2024, underscoring the administration’s push to elevate digital connectivity as a core pillar of national development.

The NDCP is positioned as the government’s long-term roadmap to ensure fast, reliable, and affordable internet access for all Filipinos by 2028.

Beyond connectivity, the plan is designed to support economic growth, expand digital employment, and modernize the delivery of public services nationwide.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said the approval marks a turning point for the country’s digital agenda.

“With the NDCP approved, we are turning the President’s vision into reality: a connected Philippines where every student, worker, and entrepreneur can thrive,” Aguda said. “This Plan is more than infrastructure. It’s a pathway to opportunity, inclusion, and a digitally empowered Bagong Pilipinas.”

Under the NDCP, the government is targeting full connectivity in all public schools, barangays, and health centers, alongside the rollout of 130,000 free Wi-Fi sites nationwide. 

The plan also sets ambitious economic targets, including the creation of up to eight million digital jobs and a projected 40 to 80 percent reduction in internet costs.

On the performance side, the NDCP aims to significantly raise average broadband speeds to 225 Mbps for mobile and 275 Mbps for fixed broadband, narrowing the gap between the Philippines and global connectivity benchmarks.

The master plan is anchored on four interconnected outcomes: stronger digital connectivity governance, increased public and private sector infrastructure investments, broader access to affordable and reliable internet, and enhanced network resiliency. 

Priority initiatives include completing the National Fiber Backbone, expanding submarine cable landing sites, accelerating next-generation mobile technologies, improving connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), and strengthening cybersecurity and climate-resilient infrastructure.

“By improving connectivity governance, accelerating infrastructure rollout, and expanding access in underserved areas, the NDCP directly supports economic competitiveness, digital jobs, and more efficient delivery of government services,” the ICT chief added.

Following its confirmation by the Economy and Development Council, a draft Executive Order to further strengthen NDCP implementation is expected to be released.

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