Marcos Greenlights Philippines’ First Nationwide Digital Connectivity Master Plan

Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially approved the country’s first National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), a long-term master plan designed to accelerate the rollout of broadband infrastructure and improve internet access nationwide.

According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NDCP provides a strategic framework for expanding high-speed internet and lowering connectivity costs for millions of Filipinos across urban and rural areas. The plan is expected to guide public and private sector efforts to build and upgrade critical digital infrastructure over the coming years.

Officials say the initiative will support economic growth, boost digital inclusion, and enhance access to essential services such as health, education, e-commerce, and government services — particularly in underserved and remote communities that have historically lacked reliable connectivity.

The approval of the NDCP aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ digital landscape. This includes past initiatives such as the launch of the National Fiber Backbone project, which aims to extend fiber-optic networks nationwide, and programs to expand free Wi-Fi sites and improve connectivity in geographically isolated areas.

Under the master plan, authorities will prioritize closing the digital divide by improving infrastructure in far-flung locations, supporting affordable internet access, and laying the groundwork for future technologies. Implementation will involve coordination among government agencies, local governments, and private partners to ensure that the benefits of expanded connectivity reach all Filipinos. T he NDCP marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and positioning the Philippines for greater participation in the global digital economy.