PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the grand launch of the second and third phases of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project on Monday, July 7, 2025, which aims to expand and strengthen the country’s internet infrastructure for improved digital connectivity.
During the event, which was held at the Tropics in Palo, Leyte, Marcos raised the importance of internet access that is now a basic necessity for work, school, business, and daily life.
Marcos emphasized his administration’s push to deliver fast, reliable, and accessible internet to all Filipinos, especially those in far-flung and underserved communities.
He said enhancing the public sector connectivity has become a central focus of his administration, designed to ensure inclusive access, leaving no Filipino behind.
Marcos said the NBF project will address the unequal internet access across the country and bridge the prevailing digital divide.
He said that due to a better internet, the public will have access to early weather warnings, apply for jobs, connect with family abroad, and even sell products online.
Under Phases 2 and 3 of the NFB, approximately 1,800 kilometers of new fiber optic cable will be laid out, expanding the high-speed digital infrastructure across Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao.
It is expected to benefit over 600 government offices and improve connectivity for an estimated 17 million Filipinos.
The first phase of the project was launched in April 2024, covering over 1,200 kilometers from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, to Quezon City.
The project is also expected to decrease the cost of operations for telcos and internet providers considering that there was already government-owned infrastructure in place.
“Mas abot-kayang internet, mas maraming Pilipino ang konektado,” said Marcos.
(The more affordable the internet will be, the more Filipinos will be connected.)
(TPM/SunStar Philippines)