CATBALOGAN, Philippines (7/7/2025) – – Recognizing internet access as a basic necessity in today’s digital age, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the grand launch of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project on Monday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing fast, reliable, and inclusive internet access—especially for communities in remote and underserved areas.
Speaking at the official launch held at The Tropics in Palo, Leyte, President Marcos underscored the vital role of digital connectivity in education, employment, business, and everyday communication. He formally inaugurated the expanded phases of the NFB project, which seeks to significantly enhance the country’s internet infrastructure for wider nationwide coverage.
“Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na pribilehiyo ang pagkakaroon ng mabilis na internet—isa na itong pangunahing pangangailangan,” the President said. “Kailangan natin ito sa pag-aaral, sa trabaho, sa negosyo, at sa pagpapanatili ng koneksyon sa ating mga mahal sa buhay.”
Under his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, strengthening digital infrastructure and public sector connectivity has become a strategic priority to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the digital transformation.
Acknowledging the stark disparity in internet access across the country, particularly in rural and geographically isolated areas, President Marcos stressed that the expansion of the NFB is key to closing the digital divide. He pointed out that in many far-flung communities, residents are still forced to travel long distances just to get online.
Phases 2 and 3 of the NFB cover approximately 1,800 kilometers of newly installed fiber optic cables, extending connectivity to regions such as Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. These new phases build on the foundation of Phase 1, launched in April 2024, which spanned over 1,200 kilometers from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Quezon City.
Once completed, the expanded network is expected to benefit over 600 government offices and improve internet access for an estimated 17 million Filipinos. President Marcos also noted that with the government owning key infrastructure, operational costs for internet service providers could be reduced—ultimately lowering prices for consumers.
“Mas abot-kayang internet, mas maraming Pilipino ang konektado,” he emphasized.
Faster internet, the President added, empowers people to access real-time weather alerts, apply for jobs, communicate with loved ones abroad, and market their products online. It also opens doors to digital education, skills training, and timely information from around the world.
“Ito po ang tinatawag nating Digital Bayanihan—isang sama-samang pagkilos ng pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, at bawat Pilipino upang matiyak na walang maiiwan sa digital world,” he said.
The National Fiber Backbone project is a flagship initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). It aims to create a secure, resilient, and nationwide fiber optic network that will serve as the backbone of the Philippines’ growing digital ecosystem. (PIA-8)
