PH Digital Infrastructure Project to benefit Over 20M Filipinos
The Philippines needs a robust broadband connectivity infrastructure to boost growth and attain its goal of becoming an upper middle-income country in the next couple of years, according to World Bank vice president for East Asia and Pacific, Manuela Ferro. She said that bringing greater internet access to the grassroots can bridge the digital divide, empower communities, and unlock the full potential of the digital economy.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved 268.22 million euros ($287.24 million) in funding for the Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project. This project will invest in the government’s national fiber optic backbone, middle-mile, and last-mile connectivity infrastructure, while ensuring these facilities are secure against cybersecurity threats and climate risks. With the approval of the funding, more than 20 million Filipinos are going to enjoy better internet connectivity across the country.
The “national fiber optic backbone” refers to a network of high-capacity fiber optic cables that interconnect different regions of the country. This network serves as the principal data highway for intra-country communications, carrying large amounts of data at high speeds. This project will complete the remaining parts of the national fiber backbone, connecting the two main international landing stations in Baler (Luzon) and Davao City (Mindanao).
Zafer Mustafaoğlu, World Bank country director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, said: “Improved internet access will help all Filipinos, especially those in remote areas of Mindanao, gain better education, health care, social protection, and government services.” He added: “This project fosters a brighter future for lagging regions by connecting everyone and ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable Filipinos can benefit from the power of technology.”
To ensure resilience of these investments, the project will incorporate climate data, risks, and resilience measures into the design of the infrastructure. These measures include using climate-resilient materials and conduit systems for underground cables; designing overground infrastructure to withstand strong winds and floods; and incorporating innovative engineering solutions to adapt to climate-related risks, among others.
A variety of steps will be taken to guarantee the country’s broadband network is safe from cybersecurity threats. For instance, the project will deploy advanced intrusion detection and prevention systems, as well as implement next-generation firewalls. Additional measures include multi-factor authentication for broadband infrastructure access; comprehensive encryption protocols; regular updates to address Wi-Fi vulnerabilities; and provisions against the dual vulnerabilities of natural disasters and cyberthreats.
The project promises to benefit Filipinos outside the country’s main urban centers, in particular. At present, the delivery of telecommunications, internet connectivity, and other mobile or data-based services concentrates disproportionately in areas of strong commercial viability. This is due to the historic role of the private sector in shaping the market. As a result, almost half (45.5%) of all barangays (villages) nationwide are presently not served by a private telecommunications service provider. Expanding the reach of broadband connectivity to all regions of the country will help level up this uneven service provision.
