The Manila Hotel, City of Manila
March 3, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) to work closely with the government in ramping up digitization efforts during the 23rd International Cable TV and Exhibit at The Manila Hotel, City of Manila.

“As you hold this important congress, I ask you to closely collaborate with the government in pursuing initiatives for the digitization of our services, the expansion of our MSMEs, and the establishment of information and communications technologies in remote areas in the country,” the President said.

Recognizing the crucial role played by the cable television and internet industry as communications conduit during the lockdowns brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during calamities and emergencies, President Marcos Jr. solemnly asked for their help in the digitalization of government services.

“Everything now, is done online and we, unfortunately, in government have fallen behind… We need your help, we need your advice, we need your work to help us accelerate the rate of which we improve our connectivity, the rate at which we improve the bandwidth and all of the different aspects that have to come together to provide us the proper role down to complete digitalization,” he said.

The Chief Executive assured them that the government, through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is keen towards fostering partnerships with the cable and telecommunications sector in laying down the fundamentals that would give rise to the country’s digital infrastructure and the goals of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

He also underscored several government initiatives to boost digitization such as the National Broadband Program, Free WIFI for All Program, the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure, and the establishment of shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure Sites, among others.

“We, in the government, are your partners in improving the speed, reliability, affordability, and accessibility of internet and communications services… let us work together to make our dream of a better, brighter, and more connected Philippines a reality. That is the hope, and we hope to have you by our side as we go down that road,” concluded President Marcos Jr.

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