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The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Henry Aguda, launched the rollout of Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Project on July 7.

Photo Courtesy of Department of Information and Communications Technology.

The launching ceremony was held in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity nationwide.

Leyte 1st District Representative and House Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the initiative, calling it a milestone in achieving fast and reliable internet access for all Filipino households.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is making sure internet service becomes a basic right, not a privilege,” Romualdez stated.

He stressed that internet access should no longer be considered a luxury but a basic need in today’s society.

“No family should be left behind. The connection to the internet should not be treated as a privilege—this is a right that each family should get,” he elaborated.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted the project’s aim of bringing internet access closer to the people, particularly in underserved areas.

“When we say fiber backbone, the flow of information is faster. You will know sooner if a typhoon is coming or if there are job openings in different towns. You will be able to talk to your loved ones more easily,” Marcos explained.

The NFB Project is set to connect 1,000 government offices and provide internet access to an estimated 17 million Filipinos.

The government is also planning to expand the project's coverage to more areas like Cagayan de Oro and Davao.