PBBM: Gov’t lagging in digitalization

By Vince Lopez

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 pandemic economy, that have been brought about by the crisis in Ukraine, and that we now must attend to if we are going to be able to say that we will grow the economy,” he added.

The Department of Transportation said it signed a P110.4-billion contract with Mitsubishi Corp. of Japan for the electrical and mechanical systems and track works of the North-South Railway Project, which is expected to start operations in three years.

Contract Package NS-01, which was awarded to Mitsubishi, covers track works, signaling system,s and telecommunications for the mainline and depots. Also included are the power supply at the substations, power distribution system, and overhead contact line system.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said during the contract signing the section of the project from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga would be operable by 2026.

Mr. Marcos described the project as a “landmark initiative” that will make the Philippines more connected than ever as “these endeavors will mark a new era of prosperity for the Philippines at a time when we are navigating ourselves in what has become called the New Normal.”

The President thanked the Department of Transportation for the milestone project that will significantly reduce the travel time between Clark International Airport and Calamba City, Laguna upon its completion.

“Indeed, this service that you have shown in materializing our grand vision [of] a Philippines [that] is ready to take on the future, is a very important part of the transformation of our economy,” Mr. Marcos said.

He also thanked the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their financial support in the implementation of CP NS-01 and for being active partners in the country’s infrastructure development.

“We expect partial operations of the Malolos to Clark Airport section by the third quarter of 2026,” Bautista said, adding that “[in] three years more, we should see full operations of the whole NSCR.” has pursued key initiatives such as the National Broadband Program named “BroadBand ng Masa.”

The project is expected to bring ease of mobility and connectivity within the regions of the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.

It would also generate 110,000 direct and indirect employment during construction, Bautista said.

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 De - velopment 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 highvalue 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.