MANILA (XINHUA) – The World Bank said yesterday that it has approved a loan of USD287.24 million to fund a project designed to boost broadband connectivity across the Philippines.
The bank said the Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project will benefit more than 20 million Filipinos, especially those outside the country’s main urban centres, as it will create infrastructure foundations connecting public institutions, schools and hospitals in far-flung areas of the archipelagic nation.
According to the World Bank, almost half, or 45.5 per cent, of all villages across the Philippines are presently not served by a private telecommunications service provider.
To ensure wider accessibility, the project will invest in the government’s national fibre optic backbone, middle-mile, and last-mile connectivity infrastructure while ensuring these facilities are secure against cybersecurity threats and climate risks.
World Bank country director for the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam Zafer Mustafaoglu said, “Improved internet access will help all Filipinos, especially those in remote areas of Mindanao, gain better education, healthcare, social protection, and government services.”
“This project fosters a brighter future for lagging regions by connecting everyone and ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable Filipinos can benefit from the power of technology,” he added.
