Marcos approves first nationwide digital connectivity master plan

President Marcos has approved the country's first National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), a long-term master plan aimed at accelerating broadband rollout, lowering internet costs, and closing the digital divide nationwide, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

The DICT said the NDCP is the Philippines' first comprehensive and nationwide framework for digital connectivity, positioning the country to catch up with regional peers and deliver faster, more affordable, and more secure internet services to Filipinos.

In a message to reporters, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said the President acknowledged that the Philippines is "playing catch-up" with its ASEAN neighbors, many of which adopted similar plans as early as a decade ago.

"But with technology now more advanced and at less cost, he is confident we will soon be at par in terms of connectivity, speed, and cost," Gomez said.