MANILA, Philippines — The government is targeting nearly 40,000 active free public internet access points nationwide in 2027 as it proposes ₱53.1 billion for information and communications technology and digitalization initiatives.

Under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program, the number of active free public internet access points is targeted to reach 38,829, up by 15,913 from the 22,916 targeted for 2026. This represents an increase of nearly 69 percent.

The expansion will be supported by the ₱5-billion Free Public Internet Access Program, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The government is also targeting 14,969 covered public locations and connectivity in 1,634 localities nationwide.

Priority areas include geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, remote barangays, public schools, healthcare facilities and transport hubs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his 2027 budget message, said expanding reliable connectivity is intended to bring government services, education, healthcare and economic opportunities closer to Filipinos regardless of location.

Apart from expanding internet access, the proposed budget seeks to put more government services online and improve the integration of government information systems.

Funding for the eGovernment Program is proposed to increase to ₱3.23 billion in 2027 from ₱1.49 billion under the 2026 national budget.

The National Government Data Center Infrastructure, meanwhile, is proposed to receive ₱950 million, while ₱312 million is being sought for the National Government Portal.

The government is also proposing ₱1.1 billion for the National Broadband Program, up from ₱667 million in 2026, and ₱2.16 billion for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project.

These initiatives are aimed at strengthening digital platforms such as eGovPH and making government transactions more accessible and efficient.

DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said reliable digital infrastructure is necessary for an efficient government and for expanding access to education and economic opportunities.

Of the proposed ₱53.1-billion government-wide ICT and digitalization expenditures, the Department of Information and Communications Technology is set to receive ₱14.4 billion in ICT-related spending, the largest share among national government agencies.

The proposed budget also includes ₱722 million for the DICT's ICT Capacity and Industry Ecosystem Development and Management Program.

This includes ₱143 million for workforce upskilling and reskilling and ₱193 million for Digital Transformation Centers.

The programs are expected to support training in areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The allocations are part of the proposed 2027 national budget and remain subject to congressional deliberations and approval.

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