For millions of Filipinos, access to the internet is increasingly essential for education, services and livelihoods. Yet for many communities, especially in remote, disaster-prone and underserved areas, reliable connectivity remains out of reach. Across the Philippines, renewed collaboration is helping turn digital access into a public good, strengthening resilience, expanding opportunity and ensuring that no one is left offline as the country advances its digital transformation.
On 19 November 2025 in Manila, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the United Nations Development Programme reaffirmed their shared commitment to inclusive digitalization through Digital Bayanihan: Expanding Support for Inclusive Connectivity. The milestone marked the handover of ICT equipment and assets to support nationwide connectivity efforts, alongside the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding that strengthens cooperation to close persistent digital gaps.
Turning connectivity into opportunity
Since 2018, collaboration has focused on reaching communities that have long been excluded from reliable internet access. Through the Connectivity, Capability and Resiliency through Free Wi-Fi for All initiative, more than 2,200 free Wi-Fi access points have been activated across the country, connecting over 2.5 million user devices. Students, health workers, local government frontline staff, Indigenous Peoples and disadvantaged communities have gained access to information and digital services that support daily life and economic participation.
Connectivity has also become critical in moments of crisis. During Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024, satellite ground station units deployed through the programme enabled real-time reporting when commercial networks were disrupted, supporting coordination with national emergency authorities. Experiences like these demonstrate how inclusive connectivity strengthens resilience and supports life-saving response efforts.
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership has helped strengthen institutional and technical capacity to manage and sustain public connectivity. Support for the Free Public Internet Access Program has contributed to improving operational systems and long-term service delivery, ensuring that free Wi-Fi remains reliable and accessible.
Scaling reach through technology and partnerships
To support the next phase of expansion, ICT equipment was formally turned over to scale connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. The support includes Low Earth Orbit satellite equipment, access points, network switches, routers, controllers, a high-end laptop and vehicles, enabling continued rollout and maintenance of free connectivity nationwide.
Complementing these efforts, the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines, known as Digital PINAS, is extending the benefits of digital access to workers and enterprises. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme together with the International Labour Organization and the International Trade Centre, and supported by the Joint SDG Fund with contributions from the European Union, the programme provided ICT equipment to 18 Tech4ED Centers nationwide. The support includes desktop computers, laptops, printers, Low Earth Orbit satellite equipment and uninterruptible power supply units. Through Digital PINAS, these centers are strengthening access to digital skills training and enterprise services and are expected to support around 15,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in expanding their participation in the digital economy.
Building the foundations for inclusive digital governance
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding sets out a strengthened framework for collaboration on digital governance and inclusion. It focuses on co-creating and scaling digital programmes, strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, advancing data governance, and fostering innovation, learning and partnerships that ensure digital transformation benefits all segments of society.
By combining infrastructure investment with institutional strengthening and skills development, the partnership is helping ensure that digital transformation is not limited to a few connected areas, but reaches communities across the Philippines. As the country moves forward, advancing inclusive access remains central to ensuring that technology expands opportunity, strengthens resilience and leaves no one behind.
Original publication: https://www.undp.org/philippines/press-releases/dict-undp-strengthen-digital-inclusivity-through-handover-ict-equipment-and-new-mou
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
