During his address, the President underscored the ongoing challenges facing remote communities, citing the lack of internet, stable electricity, and basic public services in many areas. He highlighted that around 12,000 public schools remain without internet access, and while free WiFi hubs have expanded to nearly 19,000 nationwide, these efforts still fall short of true national digital equity.
“We share the President’s vision to create a future where every Filipino can participate in the digital economy,” said Carl Cruz, Globe president and CEO.
“We’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to connect even the most remote communities. It’s not just about putting up cell sites. It’s about giving people a fair shot at education, healthcare, safety, and livelihood.”
Connectivity gains, gaps persist
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2025 Connectivity Index, the Philippines climbed four spots globally, thanks in part to the telco sector’s infrastructure buildouts and declining internet costs on a per-gigabyte basis.
Still, Cruz noted, the country faces a long road ahead.
“Clearly there are still gaps that we need to address,” he said. “User density per site needs to improve so that quality of service will also improve.”
Bayanihan SIM targets a million beneficiaries
A key initiative in bridging the digital divide is Bayanihan SIM, a joint effort with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The program offers SIM cards preloaded with 25GB of free monthly data, aiming to benefit 1 million users, particularly students and public servants in underserved areas.
“This is one area where government assistance is put to bear,” Cruz said. “By working together, we’re able to get connectivity tools directly into the hands of those who need them most, especially in public schools and disadvantaged communities.”
The pilot rollout took place at Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, where students, teachers, and parents in a GIDA setting received SIMs with ready-to-use data.
Solar-powered infrastructure reaches off-grid areas
In 2024, Globe deployed 51 solar-powered cell sites in areas not yet connected to power grids. These facilities now provide mobile coverage and data services to previously disconnected communities—supporting learning, communication, and access to emergency services.
To accelerate these deployments, Globe works closely with local governments to streamline permit processes and gain grassroots support. In collaboration with DICT, the company has also activated free public WiFi in libraries and schools in several underserved municipalities.
Education and community-centric support
Globe, in a statement , said its digital inclusion programs go beyond infrastructure. It has provided LTE pocket WiFi devices, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi kits, and free data SIMs to public schools struggling with digital access. For communities, its KonekTayo WiFi service offers affordable, load-based internet tailored to low-income households.
These efforts directly support government goals to modernize education, enhance disaster preparedness, expand e-governance, and ensure no Filipino is left offline, it added.
Policy advocacy and long-term vision
Globe is also pushing for long-term reforms to enable broader connectivity—such as mandating telco rooms in new buildings, adopting a “one canal” policy for easier infrastructure deployment, and enhancing the ease of doing business in the sector.
“Globe remains committed to being a reliable partner in nation-building,” said Cruz. “We’re working alongside the government and communities to build a future where access to digital services is no longer a privilege, but a basic right for every Filipino.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
