Business - The World Bank is lending the Philippines $287 million to expand high-speed internet access across 772 sites in Mindanao, extending broadband to over 10,000 underserved areas, the DICT announced Friday.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy highlighted that the project will improve access to education, healthcare, and government services, potentially boosting GDP by 1.38%. The PDIP includes a national fiber optic backbone to expand connectivity in remote areas of Visayas and Mindanao.
"With resilient underground cable installations, it aims to future-proof the country’s digital infrastructure while ensuring that public institutions and underserved communities can participate in the digital economy," the DICT said.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approved the PDIP in June. DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy noted that the project will focus on connecting public schools, state universities, colleges, and rural health centers. While the national internet penetration rate is 73.6%, regions in Mindanao, like Region 13, have rates as low as 17%.