PSAC calls for expanded connectivity to bridge digital divide
PSAC Digital Infrastructure advocates for faster telecom deployment and the JuanSIM ng Bayan program to bridge the digital divide and support inclusive growth in remote areas. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Digital Infrastructure has called for the faster deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in underserved and remote areas, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of a digitally inclusive Philippines.
At a recent meeting with the president, PSAC Digital Infrastructure members highlighted the need for investments in connectivity to close the digital divide. The JuanSIM ng Bayan program, which aims to provide subsidized SIM cards and internet access to millions of Filipinos in remote areas, is a central part of the plan.
The program, which targets deployment to 510 sites by the end of 2025, will be managed by the Department of Education (DepEd), which will coordinate with schools for SIM distribution. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will also support the program using its existing rural telecom system to improve connectivity in these areas.
PSAC also backed the administration’s push for a national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) development and workforce training. The council said it is aligned with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), DOST, and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on AI priorities, including infrastructure investment, innovation, and workforce skills.
Myla Villanueva, PSAC Digital Infrastructure lead and MDI Group Holdings chairperson, stressed the importance of addressing both policy and practical challenges.
“The President’s direct engagement in refining policies into practical solutions underscores the urgent need to expand bandwidth for students and families in remote areas while keeping pace with AI advancements.”
“PSAC Digital looks forward to working with DICT Secretary Ivan Uy, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, and NEDA Chief Secretary Arsi Balisacan to develop national strategies and upskill the workforce while ensuring a balanced approach to innovation, safety, and public trust,” Villanueva said.
As the program progresses, PSAC Digital Infrastructure continues to collaborate with government agencies to roll out additional connectivity solutions, reinforcing the nation’s digital backbone. These efforts reflect a shared vision: a future where every Filipino, regardless of location or economic status, has the tools to participate and thrive in the digital economy.