A user accesses a free public Wi-Fi portal on a mobile phone, highlighting efforts to widen internet connectivity and bring digital services closer to more communities. Courtesy: MMDA
Nearly 40,000 free public internet access points could be operating across the Philippines next year as the government seeks Php 53.1 billion for technology and digitalization initiatives under its proposed 2027 budget.
The spending plan targets 38,829 active access points, almost 69 percent more than the 22,916 envisioned for 2026. The network is expected to cover 14,969 public locations across 1,634 localities, with remote and underserved communities among the priority areas.
Despite the wider coverage, the Free Public Internet Access Program would retain its Php 5-billion allocation. Public schools, healthcare facilities, transportation hubs and geographically isolated barangays are among the locations targeted for connectivity.
The proposed budget also puts greater funding behind moving government transactions online. The eGovernment Program would receive Php 3.23 billion, more than twice its Php 1.49-billion allocation under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
Another Php 950 million would go to government data center infrastructure, while Php 312 million is proposed for the National Government Portal. These investments are intended to allow government information systems and platforms such as eGovPH to work more closely together.
Funding for the National Broadband Program would climb to Php 1.1 billion from Php 667 million this year. The Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project, which is intended to strengthen broadband connectivity and government digital infrastructure, would separately receive Php 2.16 billion.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology would account for Php 14.4 billion, or 27.2 percent, of the proposed government-wide ICT and digitalization expenditures. Another Php 722 million would support programs for workforce development and emerging technologies.
Of that amount, Php 143 million is proposed for ICT upskilling and reskilling, while Php 193 million would support Digital Transformation Centers. Training initiatives are expected to cover fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and virtual assistance as the government seeks to broaden employment opportunities in the digital economy.