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As Philippines Nears 100% Internet Access, DICT Recognizes Globe in Advancing the Vision

by Contributor
written by Contributor

For decades, expanding internet access and connectivity across an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands has remained one of the Philippines’ greatest infrastructure challenges. Today, sustained investments in digital infrastructure, strong collaboration between government and the private sector, and the launch of satellite-to-mobile technology are bringing the country closer than ever to the shared vision of connecting every Filipino, with  100% internet access now within reach.

Recognizing Globe’s contribution to this national effort, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) honored the company with the Digital Bayani sa Last Mile Award and a Special Recognition Award during the culmination of National ICT Month observed all throughout June of 2026, which also marked the agency’s 10th anniversary. The awards recognize Globe’s role in advancing digital transformation, expanding inclusive connectivity, and helping bridge the digital divide.

Throughout National ICT Month, DICT underscored the importance of expanding digital access through stronger collaboration across government, industry, and communities, recognizing that meaningful connectivity is key to building a more inclusive digital future.

“We are now close to achieving 100% internet access nationwide, a milestone we expect to reach by the end of July. This progress is the result of sustained investments, innovation, and strong collaboration between government and the private sector, as we continue working to turn the long-standing vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. into reality,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda.

Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said the recognition affirms the importance of collaboration, especially for heavy investments in digital infrastructure. “Connectivity creates opportunities. It helps students learn, enables businesses to grow, empowers families, and gives communities access to essential services. We are honored by this recognition from the DICT, and we will continue investing in advanced technologies and partnerships to further improve the digital experience all over the country.”

Globe continues to invest in the infrastructure needed to support the country’s growing digital economy. In 2025 alone, the company deployed more than 1,500 new 5G sites and added over 115,000 fiber-to-the-home lines, extending reliable connectivity to more communities.

While terrestrial networks remain the foundation of the country’s digital infrastructure, Globe is expanding connectivity beyond traditional mobile coverage through Globe Starlink. By complementing its existing network with satellite-powered mobile connectivity, the company is helping extend access to remote locations while strengthening network resiliency, bringing the country closer to fulfilling universal connectivity.

These efforts support the government’s broader Digital Backbone agenda, led by the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP), which aims to build, expand, and integrate high-capacity national fiber-optic networks across the country. Together, these initiatives are helping provide faster, more affordable, and more resilient internet connectivity to Filipinos from the northernmost provinces to the southernmost communities.

As the DICT marks a decade of advancing the country’s digital transformation, Globe remains committed to investing in technologies and partnerships to ensure that more Filipinos, wherever they are, can stay connected and participate in the country’s digital future.

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2GO recognized by Data Lake for enabling rapid nationwide rollout of PIALEOS connectivity project

by Contributor
written by Contributor

2GO delivered Starlink equipment to local communities, accelerating the rollout of high-speed internet.

Manila – 2GO, the country’s largest logistics solutions provider, was recognized by Data Lake Inc. as a trusted partner in the successful rollout of the PIALEOS Project under the Free Wi-Fi for all program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), with the Department of Education as its key beneficiary. The PIALEOS project is an initiative led by Data Lake Inc., with the joint venture partner, We Are IT, Inc., to deliver high-speed satellite internet connectivity to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas across the Philippines. Anchored on the principle that reliable connectivity enables access to possibilities, the project brings Starlink-powered internet to public schools, helping bridge the longstanding digital divide.

The recognition highlights not only 2GO’s logistics capabilities, but also its role in enabling communities to grow through improved access to information, services, and opportunities.

Data Lake Inc. positions itself as a national enabler of connectivity, working in close partnership with the government to advance national program agendas such as digital transformation and the nationwide deployment of resilient digital infrastructure. As the first and largest authorized Starlink reseller in the Philippines, Data Lake delivers secure, audit-ready, and rapidly deployable connectivity solutions that support large-scale public sector requirements. This capability is operationalized through initiatives such as the PIALEOS Project, implemented with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Education (DepEd), to bridge connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and underserved areas. PIALEOS enables reliable high-speed internet access for public schools and institutions, strengthening service continuity and expanding inclusive digital access at scale.

Enabling this level of execution requires strong operational partners, which is why 2GO plays a critical role. Through the timely and efficient movement of equipment, 2GO supported the rapid deployment of these services. As a result, public schools in far-flung areas now have access to essential digital services, reaching even the most remote and hard-to-reach communities across the country.

Ria Valdez, Vice President for Operations of Data Lake Inc., reflected on the challenges encountered during implementation. “There were long travels, storms, power interruptions, and real challenges on the ground. There were times we had to go back to the same site, changes in our master list, travel for days again, just to complete what was needed,” she said. “But we didn’t give up because we understood the why. We saw the students, the teachers, the communities waiting to be connected, and that made everything worth it. Because this project was never just about connection. It’s about hope, opportunity, access, and the future of our students and our communities.”

“Everybody really gave 100% every day just to make it happen. And a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of stress, a lot of worry, but it’s sharing a dream together. And we all have the same dream,” said Jose Cobarrubias, Chief Operating Officer of Data Lake Inc. “And it’s beyond connectivity, right? The free Wi-Fi, internet, but what’s behind that? What’s important to us is what internet can provide. It’s the future. It’s giving that one student a chance to realize their dreams… It makes everything possible.”

Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership. “We are proud to support initiatives like the PIALEOS Project, under the Free Wi-Fi for all programs, that create meaningful impact for communities across the country. Our role goes beyond moving cargo. We help drive progress by ensuring that essential infrastructure reaches the areas that need it most, including students who now have better access to education and opportunities that can shape their future. This recognition reflects the strength of our operations and our commitment to delivering solutions that support national development.”

As part of this milestone, 2GO was also honored with the Special Leadership Award in Delivery Operations for its role in the project. The award underscores the company’s ability to execute complex, large-scale deployments with speed, consistency, and operational discipline, even in the most challenging environments.

Through its multimodal and tailored logistics solutions, 2GO goes beyond the movement of goods. The company plays a role in connecting communities, supporting access to essential services, and opening opportunities that help both businesses and people grow and move forward.

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Rise for Education Davao concerned over CHED’s policy allowing adoption of 100% online learning

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE COMMISSION on Higher Education (CHEd) released Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson No. 117 on April 7, adopting 100% online learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) amidst worsening economic and transport crises.

While this may seem like a favorable setup at first glance, this blatantly disregards the realities of millions of Filipino students struggling under deep socio-economic inequalities.

Rise for Education (R4E) Davao coordinator Ali Cabrera raises concern about the impact this may have on the quality of learning for students

“As an alliance, we deeply worry about this policy as we have seen the effects of 100% online learning during the pandemic, which caused lower quality of education, as well as higher drop-out rates. We’ve also seen how less face-to-face interaction among peers negatively affected the mental health of students,” Cabrera says.

R4E Matina coordinator Roziel Saguin stresses the issue of inequality and access that flexible learning does not adequately address, given that a substantial proportion of Filipino households lack reliable internet or appropriate devices.

“As a working student struggling to finance my own personal expenses, flexible learning can actually create more barriers than benefits. Not all students are able to afford the internet or have access to devices. We bear the burden of data expenses, which wouldn’t be an issue if we were in school, where learning resources are readily available,” stresses Saguin.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, only around 49 percent of households in the Philippines had Internet access as of 2022. The Department of Information and Communications Technology also highlights persistent issues related to network reliability, uneven geographic distribution, and congestion, all of which undermine the stability required for continuous online learning.

Moreover, Saguin also emphasized the lessons from the pandemic, which have deeply affected the quality of education and learning among students.

“As per experience during the COVID pandemic, 100% online learning is not good. Learning at home does not provide a conducive learning environment–distracting, stressful, and unable to focus on your academics. Face-to-face school-based learning provides a better learning experience with accessible resources–classrooms, study hubs, and learning materials that are readily available inside the campus,” adds Saguin.

This band-aid solution only further legitimizes state negligence on education and youth, as the policy shifts the financial burden onto students and their families, who must shoulder the costs of connectivity, electricity, and equipment on top of high tuition fees in private universities, and a lack of quality services in underfunded public education.

Cabrera calls for solutions providing the needs and demands of students and people.

“The solution necessitates the government to answer the roots of economic and transport crisis, and providing the needs and demands of students and the people–increased funding in the education sector, declaring a tuition freeze in private institutions, regulating oil prices, removing VAT and excise tax, and providing financial relief to every Filipino,” Cabrera said.

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DICT to distribute 58,380 Bayanihan SIM cards in Davao Region

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

A TOTAL of 58,380 Bayanihan SIM cards with mobile data will be distributed to underserved and unserved areas in Davao Region, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Davao announced Monday.

Engr. Eduardo Tuquib, officer-in-charge of DICT-Davao’s Technical Operations Division, said this will provide students and teachers access to digital learning and online resources. 

DICT will prioritize students in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) as part of the pilot Bayanihan SIM Project.

Tuquib said every sim will have a free 25 gigabytes of data every month for one year. 

The SIM cards will be powered by mobile network providers Smart and Globe, handing out 16,680 and 41,700 pieces, respectively.

In the project, the operators are required to improve signal quality in underserved areas and build mobile network facilities in unserved areas identified in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The identified schools include Awao Elementary School, Napnapan National High School NHS, Kilagding NHS, Talian ES, Prosperidad ES, Boringot ES, Panamin ES, Barubo ES, Andili NHS, and Camanlangan ES in Davao de Oro. 

The project includes Malupo Es in Davao del Sur; San Isidro ES, Barobo ES, and Sagayen ES in Davao del Norte; and L. Tamay and Maragatas ES in Davao Oriental. 

In Davao Occidental, schools included are William Joyce Sr. Elementary School, Don Marcelino NHS, Harden Joyce Integrated School, Calian ES, and Julian M. Turado ES. 

Tuquib clarified that the pilot implementation covers 12 months, and no talks yet on project continuity.

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Aboitiz Foundation, Huawei, DICT, GoDigital PH Empower Remote Areas with Tech

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Aboitiz Group, the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, marked another milestone in its mission to bridge the digital divide as it led the turnover of USD 50,000 worth of laptops to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and GoDigital Philippines, an organization focused on accelerating digital transformation.

The laptops, donated in partnership with Huawei Philippines, will be distributed to far-flung communities including last-mile schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including beneficiary schools of AuroraPH, Aboitiz Foundation’s banner initiative to energize and connect underserved public schools nationwide.

Launched in 2024, AuroraPH has brought power and connectivity to 12 schools, benefiting more than 2,500 students and teachers. The program is rapidly scaling toward its goal of energizing 300 schools or 20% of unenergized schools nationwide.

“By investing in digital access today, we are not only shaping future careers but also empowering young Filipinos to become problem solvers, innovators and eventually, nation builders,” said Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar. “We need to continue inspiring our young people to do better and become a voice of influence that our leaders listen to.”

Aboitiz Foundation, DICT, and Huawei marked another milestone in bridging digital gap in far-flung communities as it turned over USD50,000 worth of laptops to GoDigital Philippines. These laptops will help beneficiaries in last-mile schools gain better access to digital tools and learning.

DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said the donation of laptops aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda. “This is digital bayanihan. As the President says, we must work with the private sector because this is a true public-private partnership. Nobody can argue about connecting people—because if you connect people, you connect them to opportunities,” Aguda said.

Go Digital PH Executive Director Mishy Co also emphasized the transformative impact of the turnover. “Moments like these remind us that there is still hope—hope in the form of opportunities for the next generation. This is about ensuring they are not just keeping up, but also finding their place in the digital world,” she said.

Guided by its vision of becoming the foundation of the future, Aboitiz Foundation is harnessing innovation, technology and strong partnerships to drive inclusive growth and ensure opportunities created in the digital age reach every corner of the Philippines.

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