00:00 So to attain these goals, our government, through the DICT, has developed the National
00:04 Broadband Program, or the NBP.
00:08 It aims to provide appropriate interventions in terms of policies and infrastructure so
00:13 that even the most remote areas can enjoy the benefits of having modern and state-of-the-art
00:19 connections.
00:21 Why do we do all of this?
00:23 It is because it is clear to us that the Internet has become the backbone of trade, communications,
00:33 transactions within and amongst communities.
00:37 Because this backbone links us together, then it serves as the economic spine that props
00:42 up our growth and supports our development.
00:45 More importantly, we understand that in order for Filipinos to reach their full potential,
00:50 we must invest in a fast and reliable Internet.
00:54 We look forward to the completion of the five next phases of the National Fiber Backbone
01:00 Project by 2026.
01:03 Once finished, the DICT expects to increase the penetration rate from 33 percent, as it
01:09 is now, to 65 percent, reaching 70 million Filipinos out of the current 115 million population
01:17 nationwide.
01:19 It will also lower the price to as much as $5 per Mbps.
01:26 Lastly, nationally, this is the infrastructure that will open employment opportunities, improve
01:34 market efficiency, attract foreign investment, and stimulate livelihood across the different
01:41 sectors of our economy and our society.
01:45 It will close the digital divide and bring to our people the transformative power of
01:50 free and fast access to information.
01:53 It will allow the state to guarantee the people's enjoyment of the Internet as a basic human
01:58 right.
01:59 Even this early, we are assured that the NFP Phase 1 will already make a significant impact
02:05 on our Internet connectivity, as well as in the day-to-day activities of ordinary Filipinos.
02:10 Thank you.
02:11 [END]
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