The National Fiber Backbone Project by DICT and DCI

The role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has evolved significantly since the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with the Internet becoming a necessity in education, healthcare, the economy, and governance. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of ICT, leading to the development of a demand-responsive fiber backbone in the Philippines.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and DBP Data Center, Inc. (DCI) partnered to create the National Fiber Backbone Project (NFB), which aims to provide faster, more reliable internet connectivity, opening limitless opportunities for global markets, remote work, and innovative learning platforms. The NFB Phase 1 Project will light up 20 NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) nodes, providing optical spectrum capacity to 14 provinces in Northern and Central Luzon, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) eco-zones, and National Government Data Centers.

The launching of the project was held at the DBP Building on January 10, 2024. Key players in the project were introduced, including DCI Domain Expert Hector Dillera, DICT Assistant Secretary for Free-Wifi and National Broadband Implementation Philip Varilla, ComClark Project Director Benedicto Bulatao, and DICT Project Manager Marlon O. Biagtan. The project team was also introduced. DICT Director Antonio Edward Padre concluded the event with insightful remarks, expressing gratitude for the collective effort and dedication.