PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (BBM) has promised to make access to the internet cheaper for Filipinos.
The 64-year-old leader made the assurance on Tuesday as he committed to strengthen digital infrastructure across the country as part of his administration's priorities.
During his meeting with his Cabinet via teleconferencing because he was still on mandatory isolation after contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) last week, Marcos said he wants to have strong internet connections around the Philippines and will push for the government to procure the latest technologies to be able to catch up with other countries.
Marcos said boosting the connections will ensure the people's access to reliable internet service since cyberspace "has become a big part of our lives."
An online check of the Internet Poverty Index — measured by how many people can or cannot afford a minimum package of mobile internet-provided by Austria-based firm World Data Lab showed that the Philippines is one of the "internet-poor" countries in Asia.
Based on the metrics of affordability, quantity and quality, the Philippines ranked 4th with more than half of the population, or 58,013,282, unable to afford a one gigabyte-per month internet package.
Despite being sidelined by Covid-19, the President noted in an online post that the internet has allowed him to perform his duties and responsibilities.
"Marami ang maitatawid na komunikasyon sa matibay at mabisang digital infrastructure na siya ring sinisikap nating pagandahin pa (A lot of communication can be bridged by having a strong and effective digital infrastructure that we are persevering to improve more)," he said.
Upgrading the Philippines' digital infrastructure was a constant promise of President Marcos while he was campaigning for the presidency, citing the importance of a strong digital infrastructure to be incorporated into the government's Build, Build, Build program.
FROM: THE MANILA TIMES