Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
DICT connects 500 agencies in Mindanao under fiber network; to benefit 5.3 million Filipinos
Philippines
National
DICT connects 500 agencies in Mindanao under fiber network; to benefit 5.3 million Filipinos
DICT connects 500 agencies in Mindanao under fiber network; to benefit 5.3 million Filipinos
By Jel Santos
Published Jun 19, 2026 03:38 pm
At A Glance
- The DICT said the network has interconnected government facilities in Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Davao City, Koronadal, and Pagadian, forming part of the country's expanding National Fiber Backbone and creating a secure, high-speed digital infrastructure linking government offices across regions.
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
Approximately 5.3 million Filipinos are expected to benefit from improved government services after about 500 government agencies and facilities across Mindanao were connected under the first phase of the Mindanao Integrated Government Network (MIGN), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Friday, June 19.
Launched under the National Fiber Backbone Project, the agency said the initiative seeks to address longstanding connectivity gaps that have hindered the delivery of government services, particularly in geographically isolated and disaster-prone communities.
The DICT said the network has interconnected government facilities in Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Davao City, Koronadal, and Pagadian, forming part of the country’s expanding National Fiber Backbone and creating a secure, high-speed digital infrastructure linking government offices across regions.
Among the agencies connected to the network are the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
According to the DICT, the enhanced connectivity is expected to provide faster access to education, employment, and government services while enabling agencies and local government units to coordinate more efficiently through real-time data sharing.
The agency said the project would also strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts by allowing government offices to share critical information and coordinate more effectively during earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other emergencies.
“Connectivity is not just convenience, it is a lifeline. It is coordination, safety, and faster response when every second matters. This is the real promise: not just better technology, but better service. Not just faster internet, but faster response to people’s needs,” DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said.
The agency said the launch marks a major milestone in efforts to connect government institutions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through a unified digital infrastructure.
During the launch of the National Fiber Backbone Phases 2 and 3 in Palo, Leyte in July 2025, President Marcos said the expansion of government fiber optic infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity across the country and help bring down internet costs.
According to the Chief Executive, a government-owned fiber backbone would reduce operating costs for telcos and internet providers, creating opportunities for lower consumer prices.