Amid the backdrop of negative vibes brought by depressing headlines lately — corruption, never-ending political maneuverings, and the destruction wrought by typhoons and floods — Filipinos have had little room to breathe. The national mood has been heavy, weighed down by uncertainties. The daily barrage of negative news often overshadows the quieter but significant strides the country is making in other critical areas. But quietly, and almost unnoticed, a couple of pieces of good news have emerged that deserve the spotlight.

Amid these storms, both literal and figurative, a fresh breeze of hope emerges: The Philippines has surged unexpectedly high in the Saily Internet Connectivity Index 2025, a remarkable achievement that signals real progress in the nation’s digital ecosystem. The recent passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act further bolsters this encouraging development. This law aims to expand and improve internet access for all Filipinos, bringing digital opportunities within reach across the archipelago.

Together, these milestones represent more than just improved statistics and game-changing policy — they highlight a turning point for the country’s digital future, offering a powerful counter-narrative to prevailing negativity and opening doors to economic growth, innovation, and inclusive connectivity that can uplift communities nationwide.

Much has been written about the expected benefits of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, but only if it is properly implemented. Many legislators were behind the passage of the law. Still, the two main proponents, Congressman Toby Tiangco, chairperson of the ICT Committee in the last Congress, and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, deserve our congratulations.

For this issue, this column will focus on the merits of the Sail Internet Connectivity Index 2025 and its implications for the Philippines. At first glance, another internet ranking might seem like just another piece of noise in an already crowded space. This ranking takes a traveler and remote worker-centric perspective. It is far more than a simple number on a leaderboard; it evaluates the complete online experience through the crucial lenses of cybersafety, quality, freedom, and affordability. This multi-faceted approach resonates with the priorities of a globalized workforce, for whom a secure and open online environment is just as vital as a fast connection.

Ranked 42nd out of 96 countries, the Philippines scored 52.85, placing it above the global average of 50. That’s a notable achievement for a country that has long been criticized for sluggish internet speeds and patchy infrastructure. More importantly, the Philippines outperformed several of its Southeast Asian neighbors like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. However, it still has a long way to go to reach the levels of Singapore and Malaysia. Looking at the rankings within Asia, the Philippines surprisingly outranks both South Korea and China.

It means our digital infrastructure is finally catching up, and the world is starting to take notice. This milestone marks significant progress in the country’s connectivity landscape, driven by ongoing investments in mobile and broadband infrastructure, as well as government initiatives aimed at expanding access to underserved areas.

From a broader perspective, the implications for the Philippine digital ecosystem are significant. Improving the country’s ranking in global internet connectivity indices translates directly to enhanced opportunities for digital inclusion, economic growth, and innovation. A more connected population fuels sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, online education, and telemedicine, all of which are critical to the country’s socioeconomic development. Moreover, better internet freedom and cybersecurity foster trust, which is crucial for promoting digital participation across diverse demographics.

For startups, freelancers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and digital nomads, this is the kind of momentum that can reshape careers and communities. In a time when so much feels unstable, our internet connectivity might just be the most stable bridge to progress.

However, we should view the recent rankings as more than just a scorecard; rather, they serve as a roadmap. It is too early for us to give ourselves a pat on the back or even congratulate the government for a job well done. Our current ranking should not be the final destination but a call to action. The DICT’s current focus on building its own infrastructure backbone, which includes significant investments in digital connectivity for rural areas, is a step in the right direction.

To climb the ranks and truly compete with its ASEAN neighbors, the Philippines must adopt a multi-pronged approach. This includes not only fostering a competitive telecommunications market where the Konektadong Pinoy Act is expected to come into play to drive down costs, but also investing in digital literacy programs to empower its citizens. Strengthening cybersecurity measures will also be paramount in building trust in the burgeoning digital economy.

Global indices such as the Saily’s Internet Connectivity Index 2025 do not just rank countries—they tell a story. And for the Philippines, that story is one of progress and digital ambition. While challenges remain, the trajectory is clear: the Philippines is no longer just catching up; it is now moving ahead.