President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered on his commitment to boost nationwide connectivity, enhance infrastructure, strengthen the healthcare system, and improve medical emergency response.
President Marcos began his packed schedule this week in Leyte where he launched Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project, which aims to deliver fast, reliable, and accessible internet to all Filipinos especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Around 1,800 kilometers of new fiber optic cable were laid out under NFB’s Phases 2 and 3, expanding the high-speed digital infrastructure to Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao.
Phase 1 of the project was launched in April 2024, covering over 1,200 kilometers from Laoag City to Quezon City.
The NFB project is expected to benefit over 600 government offices and improve connectivity for an estimated 17 million Filipinos.
While in Leyte, the President also launched a free public Wi-Fi site at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expand digital connectivity across the country.
President Marcos conducted an internet speed test by engaging in an online conversation with schools and health units from Batanes, Zambales, Marawi, and Tawi-Tawi.
During his Leyte visit, President Marcos ordered concerned agencies to expedite the retrofitting and restoration of the San Juanico Bridge, acknowledging the growing burden and hardship on residents, businesses, and travelers.
The President said more than PhP500 million has been allocated to restore the bridge’s load limit to 12 to 15 metric tons by December this year.
Accessible healthcare
The week also saw the importance President Marcos gave to ensuring accessible healthcare, as the President led the turnover of 387 ambulances or patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to local government officials in Luzon.
Many local government units (LGUs) are receiving an ambulance from the government for the first time, said President Marcos. “At ‘yun pang hindi pa nabigyan ay magkakaroon din,” the President said.
Of the total 387 ambulances distributed, Ilocos Region received 30 units; Cagayan Valley, 72; Central Luzon, 100; Calabarzon, 27; Mimaropa, 59; Bicol, 64; and the Cordillera Administrative Region, 35.
From July 2022 to June 2025, a total of 680 ambulances have been distributed to LGUs nationwide.
Each ambulance is equipped with essential medical tools, including a stretcher, oxygen tank, blood pressure monitor, and other supplies for patients.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). l PND
