Marcos eyes faster digital transformation to bridge gaps in PH

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of harnessing technology in the Philippines in order to modernize the system and close the gap of inequalities among Filipinos.

During the Manila Tech Summit 2025 on Aug. 26, Marcos envisioned transforming the country into a digitally connected one that is only made possible with stronger public-private partnerships.

“The connected nation that we dream of will only come online if we all choose to build it brick by brick, gigabyte by gigabyte,” the president quoted.

Marcos added that 8.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country in 2024, equating to P2.25 trillion, came from the digital economy, producing around 11.3 million jobs nationwide.

In line with the cause, Marcos shared several government initiatives, such as the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) which is said to generate faster internet for 17 million Filipinos by 2028, the Philippine Identification System that seeks to help facilitate easier access to financial services online, and the Free Wi-Fi Program in schools to provide students and teachers better digital access and connectivity.

However, despite the recognition of these initiatives, the president admits that “there is still plenty of room for growth,” citing the risks of these technological advances.

“Fraudulent schemes and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated every day with the aid of artificial intelligence, with digital currencies, and syndicates that know no frontiers. Also, even as artificial intelligence offers breakthroughs, it brings threats of job displacement and the loss of privacy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos asks leaders and innovators to partake in this cause to build the “technologically advanced Philippines.”

The summit was attended by 1,300 delegates from more than 300 organizations, marking its fifth year of organization.