The Philippine government is proposing ₱53.1 billion for information and communications technology (ICT) and digitalization initiatives in 2027 as it seeks to expand free public internet access, accelerate digital transformation, and bring more government services online.
Under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is targeting 38,829 active free public internet access points nationwide, representing an increase of 15,913 sites, or nearly 69%, from the 22,916 target for 2026.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday that the expansion will be backed by P5 billion for the Free Public Internet Access Program. The allocation is unchanged from the amount provided under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), but the program is expected to cover more active sites next year.
The number of public sites covered by the program is projected to increase from 13,671 to 14,969, with about 1,634 localities expected to benefit from improved connectivity.
Priority will be given to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, including remote barangays, public schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation terminals.
“By expanding reliable connectivity, we bring essential government services, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities closer, regardless of location,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his 2027 budget message to Congress.
Beyond internet access, the proposed budget places greater emphasis on shifting government transactions and services to digital platforms.
The eGovernment Program is set to receive a proposed ₱3.23 billion in 2027, more than twice the ₱1.49 billion allocated under the 2026 GAA.
The National Government Data Center Infrastructure is also proposed to receive ₱950 million, up 27% from the ₱748 million earmarked for 2026.
The investments are intended to improve the interoperability and integration of government systems through platforms such as eGovPH, helping streamline transactions and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Funding for the National Government Portal, which is envisioned as a one-stop online platform for government services, is proposed at ₱312 million, compared with ₱292 million this year.
The proposed allocation for the National Broadband Program will likewise increase by 69.3% to ₱1.1 billion from ₱667 million, while the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project will receive a proposed ₱2.16 billion.
Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the investments are aimed at making government services, education, and economic opportunities more accessible to Filipinos across the country.
“An efficient government begins with reliable digital infrastructure and data-driven decision-making. To advance our digital transformation agenda, we are providing PHP5 billion for the Free Public Internet Access Program, expanding connectivity to nearly 40,000 access points nationwide enabling more Filipinos to access government services, education, and economic opportunities,” De Leon said.
The proposed spending plan also includes funding for digital skills development to help prepare Filipinos for a technology-driven economy.
Of the overall ₱53.1-billion ICT and digitalization proposal, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to receive ₱14.4 billion for ICT-related expenditures. This represents 27.2% of the total government-wide allocation and the largest share among national government agencies.
Around ₱722 million is earmarked for DICT’s ICT Capacity and Industry Ecosystem Development and Management Program, which includes initiatives involving emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
From this amount, ₱143 million is proposed for the ICT Workforce Upskilling and Reskilling Program, while P193 million will support Digital Transformation Centers.
The programs are designed to develop skills in areas including virtual assistance, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, while supporting job creation and helping Filipino workers compete in the global digital economy.