For millions of Filipinos, reliable internet access is essential for education, services, and livelihoods. However, many communities, particularly in remote, disaster-prone, and underserved areas, continue to face connectivity gaps. Renewed collaboration across the Philippines is working to make digital access a public good, strengthening resilience, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that no one is left offline as the country advances its digital transformation.
On 19 November 2025 in Manila, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the United Nations Development Programme reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive digitalization through Digital Bayanihan: Expanding Support for Inclusive Connectivity. The event included the handover of ICT equipment to support nationwide connectivity efforts and the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to further close persistent digital gaps.
Since 2018, the partnership has focused on reaching communities historically excluded from reliable internet. Through the Connectivity, Capability and Resiliency through Free Wi-Fi for All initiative, more than 2,200 free Wi-Fi access points have been activated, connecting over 2.5 million devices. Students, health workers, local government staff, Indigenous Peoples, and disadvantaged communities now have access to critical information and digital services that support daily life and economic participation.
Connectivity has proven vital during crises. During Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024, satellite ground station units deployed through the programme enabled real-time reporting when commercial networks were disrupted, supporting coordination with national emergency authorities. Such experiences highlight how inclusive connectivity enhances resilience and facilitates life-saving response efforts.
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership has strengthened institutional and technical capacity to manage and sustain public connectivity. Support for the Free Public Internet Access Program has improved operational systems and long-term service delivery, ensuring that free Wi-Fi remains reliable and accessible across communities.
To expand access further, ICT equipment was formally handed over to scale connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. This includes Low Earth Orbit satellite equipment, access points, network switches, routers, controllers, a high-end laptop, and vehicles, enabling continued rollout and maintenance of free connectivity nationwide.
Complementing infrastructure efforts, the Digital PINAS initiative extends digital access benefits to workers and enterprises. Implemented by the UNDP in collaboration with the International Labour Organization and the International Trade Centre, and supported by the Joint SDG Fund with contributions from the European Union, Digital PINAS provided ICT equipment to 18 Tech4ED Centers nationwide. These centers, equipped with computers, laptops, printers, satellite units, and power backup systems, are expected to support around 15,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises in accessing digital skills training and enterprise services.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding establishes a strengthened framework for digital governance and inclusion. It emphasizes co-creating and scaling digital programmes, enhancing policy and institutional frameworks, advancing data governance, and fostering innovation and partnerships to ensure that digital transformation benefits all segments of society.
By combining infrastructure investment, institutional strengthening, and skills development, the partnership ensures that digital transformation reaches communities across the Philippines. Advancing inclusive access remains central to expanding opportunity, strengthening resilience, and leaving no one behind as the country progresses in its digital journey.
