Manila, 19 November 2025 – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines reaffirm their shared commitment to build an inclusive digital Philippines through Digital Bayanihan: Expanding DICT–UNDP Support for Inclusive Connectivity. The activity marked the official handover of ICT equipment and assets to DICT, and the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DICT and UNDP. 

Held at Sheraton Manila Bay, Digital Bayanihan: Expanding DICT–UNDP Support for Inclusive Connectivity brought together DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Lead for Industry Development and Strategic Initiatives Atty. Leandro Aguirre, Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Celine Dee, Assistant Secretary for Infostructure Management Philip Varilla, UNDP Philippines Interim Resident Representative Knut Ostby, Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie; and other senior officials.

A Partnership Driving Inclusive Digital Transformation

Since 2018, UNDP and DICT have worked side by side to bridge the digital divide through the Connectivity, Capability, and Resiliency through Free Wi-Fi for All (CoRe FW4A) project. The initiative has activated over 2,200 free Wi-Fi access points, connecting over 2.5 million user devices across the Philippines. This program has benefitted students, health workers, local government frontline staff, indigenous communities, and disadvantaged and disaster-affected communities. 

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership also strengthens institutions and accelerates service delivery. In several provinces, connectivity has become a vital lifeline in times of disaster. In Camiguin, DICT staff member Jessa Christie Udarbe shared how satellite ground station units deployed under CoRe FW4A proved indispensable during Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024, enabling her team to transmit real-time situational reports to the Office of Civil Defense when commercial networks went down. Her experience highlights how expanding internet access can both improve and save the lives of Filipinos. 

The project also contributed to strengthening the institutional and technical capacity of the DICT Free Public Internet Access Program to effectively manage and sustain free Wi-Fi services.

Scaling Connectivity through New Technologies and Partnerships

To support further expansion, UNDP turned over Low Earth Orbit satellite equipment, access points, network switches, routers, controllers, a high-end laptop, and vehicles to help DICT scale Free Wi-Fi access points in underserved and remote areas nationwide.

Complementing these efforts, the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS) of UNDP, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), supported by the Joint SDG Fund with contributions from the European Union, also provided ICT equipment, including desktop computers, laptops, printers, LEO satellite equipment, and UPS units, to 18 Tech4ED Centers nationwide. These hubs aim to enhance digital skills, training access, and enterprise support for  15,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that Digital Pinas aims to empower.

An MOU to Build the Future of Digital Governance

The signing of the MOU marks a strengthened partnership between DICT and UNDP to co-create and scale digital governance programs, enhance institutional and policy frameworks, advance data governance, foster partnerships and continuous learning, drive innovation and knowledge exchange, and promote inclusive digitalization that leaves no one behind. 

“We see this as only the beginning of an even stronger partnership,” said Secretary Aguda. “DICT is committed to working with UNDP to ensure that citizen-centered digital solutions reach every corner of the country.” 

Resident Representative Knut Ostby emphasized the broader vision: “The DICT-UNDP partnership demonstrates the spirit of Digital Bayanihan, where “no Filipino is too far, no community is too small.” “It also shows what can happen when government, development partners, and communities co-invest to build a more inclusive digital future.” 

Deputy Resident Representative Carrie added that “technology, becomes transformative only when it is accessible and inclusive., Together with DICT, we will continue building systems, institutions, and services to connect communities, empower people, and create opportunities to ensure that no Filipino is left behind.”

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