GOV’T TO PARTNER WITH PRIVATE SECTOR FOR BETTER INTERNET SERVICE

THE government will work with the private sector to improve internet connectivity in the country, including a possible partnership with private telecommunications companies.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government was determined to bring Internet infrastructure to remote areas.

“Of course, hindi ganoon kadali ito lalo na sinabi mo nga liblib na lugar so kinakailangan talaga dito ng imprastraktura. Nabanggit din po na tayo ay maaaring makipag-ugnayan/makipag-collaborate sa mga pribadong korporasyon para po maisakatuparan ito,” Castro said.

Castro cited the importance of having reliable internet connectivity to improve people’s lives.

“Nowadays, using the internet is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity. If we can improve the access of all the Filipino people to internet, it will definitely improve the livelihood—not only the livelihood, even the intellectual capacity of every Filipino,” she said.

In the same briefing, Castro cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to Eastern Visayas, where he stressed the need for better internet connectivity.

During the recent meeting in Tacloban, the President said the government is developing a new system to improve the country’s internet access in geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“Sa kaniyang pagbisita sa Eastern Visayas nitong Biyernes, sinabi ng Pangulo na sa Bagong Pilipinas, palalakasin ang internet access doon lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar bilang bahagi ng pagsisikap ng gobyerno na mapalawak ang reliable internet connection sa rehiyon,” Castro said.

Castro added the government plans to build additional towers or use satellite connections.

“Tiniyak ng Pangulo ang patuloy na pagsisikap ng kaniyang administrasyon para mapabuti ang pamumuhay sa Eastern Visayas,” Castro said.