World Bank Approves $287M Loan for Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project

The World Bank has approved a $287.24 million loan to support the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP), which aims to enhance broadband connectivity nationwide. Approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in June, the PDIP is a major initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand public broadband infrastructure.

The project consists of five main components: the backbone network, middle-mile network, access network, network security, and project management support. This new broadband infrastructure is expected to improve internet access for over 20 million Filipinos, especially in underserved regions.

Manuela Ferro, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific, highlighted that robust digital infrastructure is crucial for the Philippines to achieve its goal of becoming an upper middle-income country. Zafer Mustafaoglu, World Bank Country Director for the Philippines, emphasized that better connectivity will increase access to education, healthcare, and government services, particularly in remote areas of Mindanao.