Advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines is urging lawmakers to update and harmonize policies that hinder the timely deployment of internet infrastructure. They pointed to outdated laws, inconsistent local ordinances, and obstructive homeowners’ associations as key barriers. The group calls for reforms in the National Building Code and a clearer framework for telco access to private properties. They emphasize that internet access is no longer a luxury but a public necessity. Their push aims to reduce bottlenecks in last-mile connectivity and help more Filipinos benefit from the country’s digital transformation.

Despite the challenges of mountainous terrain, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has successfully connected all 77 target localities in the Cordillera region under the Free Public Internet Access Program. The initiative is actively expanding to the grassroots level, with 611 out of 1,178 barangays now connected, including 284 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA). Furthermore, hundreds of schools have been linked through the Free Wi-Fi For All and Bayanihan SIM projects. To sustain this digital push, the DICT is utilizing up to a 10 GBPS allocation from the National Broadband Program, establishing regional wireless networks, and partnering with local electric cooperatives to bridge the digital divide.

The Philippines is set to complete its National Fiber Backbone project by June 2026, a ₱16.1 billion initiative led by the DICT to modernize nationwide connectivity. The project will extend fiber coverage across Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, supported by World Bank funding. Meta Platforms, Inc. has pledged a 2 terabits-per-second bandwidth allocation to boost the network’s capacity. The backbone will provide high-speed internet for government offices, schools, and underserved communities, improving accessibility and affordability. This transformative project is expected to elevate the Philippines’ digital competitiveness and foster inclusive economic growth.

Philippines Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd. (PFOCN) secured a Green Lane Certificate from the Board of Investments (BOI), expediting permits and approvals for its ₱49.56 billion nationwide fiber expansion effort, signaling strong government support for digital infrastructure. The certification is meant to streamline inter-agency processes for what is considered a high-impact, strategic investment aligned with the nation’s digital transformation goals. Phase 2 will roll out approximately 20,000 route-kilometers of fiber optic network across urban areas over the next five years, building on earlier backbone infrastructure. The Green Lane status also promises ongoing coordination with government at every stage to reduce bureaucratic delays. PFOCN aims to expand backbone and access fiber infrastructure countrywide, reinforcing its role as the only independent fiber optic network operator in the Philippines.