In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to foster inclusive digital transformation and empower all Filipinos through technology, the government will conduct a roadshow to disseminate information on internet connectivity in remote areas, including Tawi-Tawi and Batanes.
In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda shared the far-reaching impact of bringing digital connectivity to the country’s most remote areas.
Aguda said the DICT will hold a roadshow to mark the National Information and Communication Technology (NICT) Month 2025 across the country, showcasing how digital progress will reach even the most remote and underserved communities.
“Malaking bagay po iyan,” Aguda replied when asked about the effect of internet access in Tawi-Tawi.
Aguda said the NICT leg in Tawi-Tawi will boost tourism, e-commerce, and employment opportunities, especially for locals seeking online work.
“So, sa Tawi-Tawi, kaya excited din kaming pumunta, magaganda iyong mga beaches doon. So, tourism, madadagdagan ang turismo. Second, e-commerce sites,” Aguda said.
Aguda highlighted the benefits of internet access beyond livelihood.
“Trabaho, komersiyo at saka isa po, security rin. Kasi with digital, puwede ka na ring magkaroon ng safe city – puwede nang ma-monitor iyong kapaligiran 24/7,” Aguda said.
The National ICT Month will kick off in Basco, Batanes, on June 5–6, where the DICT will reaffirm its goal of generating eight million digital jobs by 2028 through inclusive, tech-driven employment.
On June 10–11, the celebration will move to Tawi-Tawi, where the DICT and telecom partners will commit to expanding reliable connectivity through technologies such as satellite broadband and community Wi-Fi.
Dumaguete City takes the spotlight on June 17–18, with a focus on digitizing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting grassroots innovation through information and communication technology (ICT).
The month-long celebration concludes on June 30 in Valenzuela City with the signing of an MOU between the DICT and the city government for the development of a premier ICT Hub.
Envisioned as a key component of the “Silicon Valenzuela” vision, the facility will house green data centers, business incubation hubs, co-working spaces, digital retail areas, and government services designed to create jobs, foster innovation, and uplift the quality of life for Valenzuelanos and residents of nearby localities. | PND
