President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. inaugurated phases two and three of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project on July 7, 2025. This initiative aims to significantly improve internet infrastructure across the Philippines.
The NFB project is designed to provide faster and more reliable internet access nationwide. It is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.
Phases 2 and 3 involve installing approximately 1,800 kilometers of new fiber optic cables. This expansion will extend high-speed digital infrastructure across several regions, including Cagayan Valley and Mindanao.
These phases are expected to benefit over 600 government offices and 17 million Filipinos. The first phase, completed in April 2024, already covered over 1,200 kilometers.
The project also aims to reduce operational costs for telecommunications companies. This will make internet access more affordable for Filipinos.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secured a $288 million loan to fund Phases 4 and 5. The entire NFB project is expected to be completed by 2027.
The goal is to increase internet penetration from 33% to 65%, reaching approximately 70 million Filipinos. This will stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life.