BETTER CONNECTIVITY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convenes a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Infrastructure and Digital Sector Groups at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2024). During the meeting, Marcos discussed with PSAC the council’s recommendations to expand internet access and strengthen flood mitigation efforts. (Photo from PBBM’s official Facebook page)
MANILA – The Private Sector Advisory Council’s (PSAC) proposals to improve internet connectivity and mitigate flooding will benefit Filipinos, especially those from far-flung areas, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has said.
Marcos met with PSAC’s infrastructure and digital sector groups at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday afternoon.
“The Private Sector Advisory Council’s (PSAC) recommendations on expanding internet access and strengthening flood mitigation efforts are vital for better connectivity and services in the farthest reaches of our country,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.
“Together with our private sector partners, we are building a future where every Filipino from every corner of the Philippines is connected and empowered to succeed para sa Bagong Pilipinas (for the New Philippines),” he added.
Marcos did not elaborate on the specific recommendations made by the PSAC during the meeting.
On Aug. 29, Marcos met with PSAC-Infrastructure Group to discuss the council’s proposals to achieve water security, including prioritizing flood control initiatives.
Among the PSAC’s proposals was the implementation of flood control basins as part of the government’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects, particularly concentrating on the 88 rivers identified by the Integrated Water Resources Management Office.
PSAC also stressed that the improved pipelines and water systems have significantly reduced system losses and mitigated flooding in susceptible areas.
Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority Board approved in July a PHP16.1 billion budget for the establishment of digital infrastructures aimed at improving the internet connectivity.
The approved funding for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP) was lower than the PSAC’s initial request of PHP240 billion.
The PDIP aims to boost broadband connectivity nationwide, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. (PNA)
