The government was lagging in digitalization, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lamented Friday, as he appealed to concerned sectors to help fast-track improvements on connectivity.
During his speech at the FICTAP’s 23rd International Cable Congress and Exhibit, the President noted that cable television and internet have revolutionized society and are an important part of Filipinos’ daily life.
But while Filipinos have tapped the internet for food, banking, and other daily needs, Mr. Marcos said the public seldom use digital means to reach out to the government.
The President said the government has pursued key initiatives such as the National Broadband Program named “BroadBand ng Masa.”
It is a free Wi-Fi for all Program of the Marcos Administration which will be placed the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure and the establishment of shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure Sites, among others.
These initiatives will build up the country’s digital infrastructure and achieve its targets in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the Chief Executive noted.
Mr. Marcos said that the cable television and cable internet industry has not only revolutionized and modernized Philippine society but has also served as an important platform that enabled people to survive during calamities and emergencies.
Meanwhile, the President said that since he took the highest position of the land, he has implemented various reforms and established mechanisms to ensure that the Philippines will be an “ideal player” in the export sector.
He made the remark in his speech during the event dubbed as “Tanyag: An Evening with International Trade Partners” held at the Shangri-La, The Fort in Taguig City.
“For instance, we are creating high-value and competitive Philippine products and services capable of serving the needs of consumers and producers worldwide. Various initiatives and reforms have likewise been made for an enabling environment for businesses,” the President pointed out.
“Moreover, digital transformation initiatives are ongoing to spur economic activities and to allow us to make transactions faster and more securely, than we have ever had before,” Mr. Marcos said.
He took note that his administration is exerting all efforts to improve the country’s infrastructure and expand domestic capabilities for the growth and development of the export sector.