First Lady boosts rural internet

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos recently visited Converge ICT’s facilities in Angeles City, Pampanga, to highlight a critical push for faster, more reliable internet connectivity across the Philippines, especially in provinces lagging behind urban areas.

“Converge’s National Digital Infrastructure in Pampanga is building the backbone of a faster, more connected Philippines — linking communities and opportunities nationwide,” Mrs. Marcos posted on her official Facebook page.

The First Lady noted that the project powers “everything from everyday connectivity to digital innovation across industries like education, healthcare, e-government, banking, and other key sectors.”

“This is a strong step toward a more inclusive digital future beyond Metro Manila. This is how progress should be: simple, steady, and part of everyday life,” she said, framing the initiative as essential for bridging the digital divide that hampers rural economic growth and access to services.

Founded in Angeles City by spouses Dennis Anthony and Mary Grace Uy, Converge ICT has grown into the Philippines’ leading fiber internet provider, boasting over 1.5 million subscribers and a P5-billion state-of-the-art data center in Pampanga. The company’s extensive regional fiber network spanning key provinces positions it to deliver high-speed broadband where traditional providers struggle.

The timing aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s digital infrastructure agenda, targeting 95-percent fiber connectivity by 2028 amid complaints of slow internet in 60 percent of provinces.

Converge’s expansion supports e-learning recovery post-Covid, telemedicine rollout, and the “e-governance” push under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 — directly addressing the First Lady’s focus on inclusive growth.