President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. committed to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure to create a more digitally empowered, inclusive, and future-ready Philippines.

Speaking at the Manila Tech Summit 2025 in Taguig City, Marcos emphasized the vital role of digital technology in improving governance and expanding opportunities for Filipinos.

“Sa bahagi naman ng pamahalaan, titiyakin natin na maitatayo ang mga imprastraktura at mapalalakas ang mga polisiya upang makasabay ang ating bansa sa bilis ng pagbabago ng mundo,” Marcos said on Tuesday.

“We aim to provide a government where technology is optimized to improve service delivery, efficiency, and transparency,” the President added.

According to the President, in 2024, half of the country’s payment transactions were digital, noting that financial technologies have made bill payments and remittances safer and more convenient.

The President added the digital economy reached a value of P2.25 trillion that same year, equivalent to 8.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product, and generated over 11 million jobs.

Despite this achievement, the President still sees significant room for further growth and innovation.

The President cited key initiatives to support this momentum, including the ongoing construction of National Fiber Backbone (NFB), expected to be completed by 2028. The NFB will extend high-speed internet to approximately 17 million Filipinos, enabling better connectivity and access to services.

The President also mentioned the fast-tracking of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) to make processes like “Know Your Customer” or KYC easier, and financial services more accessible.

Complementary programs such as Free Wi-Fi for All are also being expanded.

While digital progress offers benefits, the President still acknowledged potential risks like fraud and scams, and assured the government is implementing proactive measures to protect users.

In parallel, the President vowed to upskill the Filipino workforce with focus on emerging fields such as AI, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and creative design. Presidential News Desk