Marcos wants improved connectivity in isolated areas before providing WiFi allowance

Establish connectivity in remote areas first and provide allowance for internet connection later, President Marcos ordered.

Marcos made the directive to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during a sectoral meeting on the National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP) 2024-2028 in Malacañan on Monday, Sept. 9.

"Let us establish first the connectivity. That’s more important than anything else,” the President said.

During the meeting, where the DICT presented its connectivity plans, Marcos particularly asked for improved internet connectivity in remote and isolated communities.

The Chief Executive suggested rolling out the connectivity program in areas where the government can provide free Wi-Fi. To ensure a market for telecommunications companies, he said the government can help by providing connections to government facilities.

“We will now provide that market by giving [access] to government facilities, barangay offices, LGUs (local government units), etcetera. And that will establish the market,” Marcos said.

“Once nasanay ang tao na mayroon ng ganyan (Once the people are used to it) we can put them already. We can put the allowance for WiFi already in the budget. Kasi nandyan na (Because it's already there). We can put it in the budget of the government agency. Maliit lang naman (Besides it's just a small amount),” he said.

Once the budget is approved, the NDCP will serve as the country’s strategic blueprint to bring universal digital connectivity throughout the country towards a digital Philippines.