Citizen rights group CitizenWatch Philippines (CWP) urged the national government to allocate additional funding for broadband infrastructure to boost the country’s internet connectivity.
In a statement, the CWP said the larger budget may be used for the installation of fiber-optic networks, the deployment of 5G technology, and the enhancement of last-mile connectivity for communities without internet access.
“Broadband investments will enable more Filipinos, wherever they may be in the archipelago, to participate in the digital economy that would in turn increase their income potential and upgrade their skills,” said the advocacy group.
“Businesses will be able to expand their reach and operate more efficiently through the use of technology,” it added.
The latest data from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) showed at least 65% of the population was still without internet access.
According to the CWP, the administration should address the issue and invest in infrastructure such as the Private Sector Advisory Council’s proposal for an additional P240 billion in funding to the DICT to help deploy 5G connections faster.
“If the Philippines wants to be a significant player in the global economy and boast of a people that is dynamic and technologically adept, the government must take this decisive action soonest,” it said.
“Ultimately, this will rebound to the benefit of ordinary Filipinos, who stand to live a productive, efficient, and upwardly mobile life,” it added.
In early April, an independent research organization also called for the revision of the National Building Code of the Philippines to address leasing fees.
In June 2023, the World Data Lab on the Internet Poverty Index showed at least 20 million Filipinos were “internet poor” or did not have the financial capacity to avail of at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of internet data per month. — DVM, GMA Integrated News