Manila - The Philippines is on track to become one of the top three countries in Southeast Asia for internet connectivity by 2028, as the government continues to prioritize investments in digital infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the 'Build Better More' Infrastructure Forum in New Clark City, the Philippines has risen to sixth place in internet penetration among Southeast Asian nations, up from ninth. "We were able to do that in less than two years," Uy stated on Friday. He emphasized the country's steady progress, noting a 14 percent increase in their connectivity index in recent years. "If we continue on this trajectory, I'm hoping that by 2028, we would probably be in the top three in ASEAN," he added.
Uy highlighted the competitive nature of regional advancements in internet connectivity, pointing out the aggressive investments by neighboring countries. "Our ASEAN neighbors are not sitting back and relaxing; they are also infusing huge amounts of investments in their Internet connectivity. So, we need to double what they are putting. If they are putting one peso, we need to put two pesos because we're the ones trying to catch up," he explained.
The ambition is supported by recent government actions, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of the USD288 million Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP). This project, financed through official development assistance from the World Bank, aims to complete the national fiber backbone and expand high-speed internet access to even the most disadvantaged areas of the country.
Additionally, Uy reported significant progress in the DICT's Free Public Internet program, which has established 13,462 free Wi-Fi sites across 1,401 cities and municipalities, including 3,040 sites in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). To date, approximately 9.8 million Filipinos have benefited from this initiative. Looking ahead, the DICT plans to increase the number of free Wi-Fi sites to 125,000 nationwide by 2028, further boosting the country’s connectivity.