The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) recognized Globe Telecom for its contributions to that effort, conferring the company with the Digital Bayani sa Last Mile Award and a Special Recognition Award during the culmination of National ICT Month in June 2026, which also marked the agency's 10th anniversary.
The awards recognize Globe's role in expanding inclusive connectivity, advancing digital transformation, and helping bridge the country's digital divide.
Nearing target
Throughout National ICT Month, the DICT emphasized the importance of expanding digital access through stronger collaboration among government, industry, and local communities, saying meaningful connectivity is essential to building an inclusive digital economy.
"We are now close to achieving 100% internet access nationwide, a milestone we expect to reach by the end of July. This progress is the result of sustained investments, innovation, and strong collaboration between government and the private sector, as we continue working to turn the long-standing vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. into reality," Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said in a statement.
The agency's recognition comes as the government continues to implement initiatives aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure and improving internet access across the country's more than 7,000 islands.
Private investments
Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz said the awards underscore the value of collaboration in delivering large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
"Connectivity creates opportunities. It helps students learn, enables businesses to grow, empowers families, and gives communities access to essential services. We are honored by this recognition from the DICT, and we will continue investing in advanced technologies and partnerships to further improve the digital experience all over the country," Cruz said.
To support the country's growing digital economy, Globe said it continued expanding its network in 2025 by deploying more than 1,500 new fifth-generation (5G) sites and adding over 115,000 fiber-to-the-home lines, extending broadband services to more households and communities.
Beyond networks
While terrestrial infrastructure remains the backbone of internet connectivity, Globe is also expanding coverage through Globe Starlink, its satellite-powered mobile service.
The technology complements existing mobile networks by providing connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach areas while improving network resilience during emergencies and natural disasters.
The satellite-to-mobile service is expected to help extend communications beyond the reach of conventional cell towers, supporting the country's goal of universal connectivity.
Digital backbone
Globe said its network expansion aligns with the government's broader Digital Backbone agenda under the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP), which seeks to build, expand, and integrate high-capacity fiber-optic networks nationwide.
The initiative aims to provide faster, more affordable, and more resilient internet services from the country's northernmost provinces to its southernmost communities.
As the DICT celebrates a decade of leading the country's digital transformation efforts, Globe said it remains committed to investing in technologies and partnerships that will enable more Filipinos to participate in the digital economy regardless of location. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
