The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved a flagship infrastructure project designed to boost broadband connectivity nationwide, particularly in remote areas, and strengthen cybersecurity.

The NEDA Board, in its 18th meeting at Malacañang Tuesday, gave the green light to the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP) and approved adjustments to the parameters of nine other ongoing projects.

With a budget of P16.1 billion financed through official development assistance from the World Bank, the PDIP is set to enhance the country’s broadband connectivity and bring high speed internet connection even in disadvantaged areas, augment digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, stimulate private sector investments, and strengthen capacity for cybersecurity and for protecting critical information infrastructure.

The project, anchored on the National Broadband Program, a flagship initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), involves the construction of a public broadband infrastructure network.

This network comprises five major components including backbone network, middle-mile network, access network (last-mile), network security and project management support.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who also serves as the NEDA board vice chair, underscored the transformative potential of the project. “Broadband services have already opened up numerous opportunities for Filipinos, from work-from-home arrangements to digital access to critical public and private services, including the latest technological tools such as artificial intelligence. This project will enable us to connect more Filipinos to markets and networks, spurring economic development,” he said.

The NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also approved adjustments to various parameters of nine ongoing infrastructure projects, seven of which are part of the infrastructure flagship projects list.

The changes pertain to project scope, cost, and extension of implementation period and loan validity.

These projects include Local Governance Reform Project, Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility, New Cebu International Container Port Project, Light Rail Transit Line 1 South Extension Project, Malolos-Clark Railway Project, Tranche 1, Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1, Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi Stage 2, Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project and Panguil Bay Bridge Project.

“The adjustments to these ongoing infrastructure projects were necessary to ensure their successful completion, advancing our national efforts to expand and upgrade our infrastructure, improve connectivity, and create more jobs,” Balisacan said.