President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to ensure internet connectivity for all public schools by the end of 2025 is nearing its goal, with the current rate at over 70 percent.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, in his speech during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry membership meeting in Makati City on Wednesday, said the President has been informed earlier that only around 60 percent of public schools are connected online.

This leaves about 12,000 schools nationwide, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), without internet connection.

“Right now, from that 60 percent, I would like to report to you, working with DepEd (Department of Education), we’re now at 78 percent,’ he said.

“And you’ve seen the power of transparency. I think, in recent events, if you show our countrymen what’s being done with our taxes, (we are) building infrastructures, and they can verify and see it. If you shine a light on something, everybody contributes to the information.”

The government is resolute in improving internet connectivity through the expansion of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project.

To date, the project’s Phase 1 has been completed. It covers more than 1,200 km. area from Laoag in Ilocos Norte to Quezon City.

The government has launched Phases 2 and 3 of the program, eyed at putting in place fiber optic internet cable to about 1,800 km area, from Cagayan Valley to Mindanao, which is expected to benefit around 17 million.

Aguda said they are closely working with telecommunications firms for this program.

PNA PHOTO