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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider President Marcos highlights digital transformation in third SONA

President Marcos highlights digital transformation in third SONA

Comprehensive IT initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, security, and innovation

Published Jul 23, 2024 01:27 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos emphasized enhancing nationwide broadband access, focusing on improving connectivity in rural areas through the Free Wi-Fi Program.
  • Completion and operationalization of Phase 1, with Phases 2-3 expected by 2025-2026, connecting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
  • Aiming to provide internet connectivity to remote areas through partnerships with the private sector and government support.
  • Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, investing in advanced security technologies, and extensive training for government personnel.
  • Committing to ethical AI development and utilizing space technology for agricultural development, urban planning, and environmental management.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), outlining several critical information technology (IT) initiatives, reflecting the administration's commitment to digital transformation and national security. 

Digital infrastructure expansion: President Marcos emphasized enhancing broadband access nationwide, focusing on improving connectivity in rural areas to bridge the digital divide. "Sa ating Free Wi-Fi Program, halos sampung milyong unique user devices ang nakikinabang sa libreng internet sa mahigit labintatlong libong lugar sa buong Pilipinas. Patuloy pa ang ating pinararami ang mga libreng Wi-Fi sa buong bansa," he stated.

National Fiber Backbone: Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone has been completed and operationalized as part of the internet infrastructure development. Jeffrey Ian C. Dy, Undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling, elaborated, "While Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone was already completed and launched by the President last April, Phases 2-3 will be completed by 2025 to 2026, connecting the rest of Luzon, some areas in Visayas and Mindanao to the Pacific Light Cable Network International Submarine    cable system connecting Aurora, Philippines, and Los Angeles, US."

Dy further explained, "The Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, worth US $288M will also complete the National Fiber Backbone by providing domestic submarine cables in Visayas, and connecting the rest of Mindanao to the National Fiber Backbone by 2028. It will also provide Free Wifi for 722 GIDA sites in Mindanao. This will increase the internet penetration rate in Mindanao which is lowest in the country, with only 17%."

Common towers project: As of 2022, only seventy-seven percent, or 20.6 million households, were connected to the internet. President Marcos stressed the importance of the common towers project. This initiative with private sector partners aims to provide connectivity to Filipinos in remote areas, with full government support, including policy reforms and streamlined processes.

National Cybersecurity Plan: A significant highlight was the mention of the National Cybersecurity Plan. This comprehensive strategy includes strengthening the country's cybersecurity infrastructure, investing in advanced security technologies, and conducting extensive training programs for government personnel. Dy added, "The implementation of the National Cybersecurity Plan, also mentioned by the President, is underway. DICT already has a draft Cybersecurity Law and a draft catalog for other government positions in ICT and cybersecurity."

"We also held the inaugural US-Philippine Cyber and Digital Policy dialogues in Washington DC last July 15-16, paving the way for more concrete collaboration between the two countries in cybersecurity and improving our respective digital economies," Dy noted.

Support for AI research: "We are also building essential infrastructure and linkages to support the ethical development of artificial intelligence systems for high-impact practical applications," President Marcos stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to advancing AI technology in a responsible and impactful manner.

Space program: "Since the nation's foray into space technology, our satellites in space have generated more than fifty-one thousand maps, images, and space-borne data for various purposes," President Marcos highlighted. "These now provide us with vital information that guides our country's stratagems and decision-making in agricultural development, urban planning, and environmental management, including the strengthening of our maritime domain awareness, to name but a few examples."

Support for the tech industry: The government plans to incentivize the tech sector, encouraging innovation and attracting foreign investments. This includes developing tech hubs and fostering private-sector partnerships.

Education and workforce development: Initiatives to enhance IT education and training programs are set to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for the digital economy.

Nurturing start-ups: The President also mentioned supporting start-ups through funding, mentorship, and easier access to resources, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the tech sector.

These initiatives show the administration's commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and ensuring the Philippines remains competitive in the global digital landscape. President Marcos reiterated the administration's dedication to using IT to its fullest potential, paving the way for a digitally empowered nation ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

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