Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) formalized a partnership on Wednesday, April 29, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening both electrification and digital connectivity across the country.The signing ceremony was led by NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda.The agreement supports the implementation of the Konektadong Pinoy Act by establishing guidelines for infrastructure sharing between Electric Cooperatives (ECs) and Data Transmission Industry Participants (DTIPs).The partnership highlights a unified effort to bridge two critical components of national development: reliable electricity and accessible internet connectivity. By aligning resources and infrastructure, the government aims to accelerate the rollout of fiber networks, particularly in underserved and remote areas.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2026/4/15/dict-urges-filipinos-to-report-fake-news-posts-immediately-1606">DICT urges Filipinos to report fake news posts immediately</a></div>In his speech, Aguda noted that the country’s national fiber backbone is already integrated into the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) network. “Ang national fiber backbone po ay nakainstall sa national grid, sa NGCP. Kami ay nakikico-share together with the NGCP, yung national fiber backbone, pinagmamalaki ko yan sa mundo.” He added that the Philippines’ fiber network is among the most extensive globally, spanning Luzon and Visayas, with Mindanao expected to be connected by July. “Yung national fiber dahil sa NGCP isa yan sa pinakamaganda sa mundo, one of the longest.” Aguda explained that the DICT aims to mirror the structure of the power sector, where transmission and distribution are distinct but coordinated—by working with electric cooperatives to extend fiber connectivity to the “last mile.” <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2026/4/13/dict-says-preserving-evidence-on-deepfakes-misinformation-1603">DICT says preserving evidence on deepfakes, misinformation</a></div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2026/4/13/dict-says-preserving-evidence-on-deepfakes-misinformation-1603"></a>“Kung ang national fiber backbone namin ay nakalagay sa NGCP, bakit naman yung distribution namin sa last mile hindi rin natin gawing collaboration.”He called on electric cooperatives to play a central role in expanding internet access nationwide.“Yung mga electric coop po kung pwedeng kayo na rin ang susi namin para madala ang fiber sa bawat bahay ng bawat Pilipino.”The DICT also highlighted ongoing support from international funding organizations such as the World Bank for fiber expansion projects, particularly in Luzon. Aguda pointed out that leveraging existing infrastructure, such as electric poles, can address funding gaps and speed up deployment.Under the Konektadong Pinoy Act, the telecommunications sector has been liberalized, allowing DTIPs to deliver internet services without requiring a franchise. This opens opportunities for electric cooperatives to either lease infrastructure to providers or directly participate in service delivery.“May category nakalagay digital transmission industry participant, puwede na po kayong mag-deliver ng internet service sa mga bahay-bahay nang hindi niyo na kailangan ng mga prangkisa.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/2/12/power-transmission-rates-rise-in-jan-to-be-reflected-in-feb-bill-1553">Power transmission rates rise in Jan, to be reflected in Feb bill</a></div>Aguda also stressed the need to organize existing telecommunications lines before expanding further infrastructure. “Lilinisin po muna natin yung mga nakasampay na mga telco, pag nalinis na natin saka natin lalagyan ng telecoms.”Expanding on this, Aguda underscored that the MOU is only the first step, with concrete implementation already underway. He said part of the rollout includes clearing disorganized cables and setting standards to enable efficient fiber deployment down to the barangay level.Aguda emphasized that implementation will move quickly, with mapping of priority areas and coordination on new cell sites already in progress.“This is an execution na, yung MOU namin diretso na sa execution, mabilis ito.”For his part, NEA Administrator Almeda highlighted the extensive coordination required for the initiative and announced upcoming consultative efforts involving multiple stakeholders.“Definitely this involves a lot of consultation hours, so I will announce tonight that electric cooperatives, you will be hosting the consultative meeting that will be done by DICT, NTC and of course the electric cooperatives to map out the roll out of the Konektadong Pinoy.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/1/23/public-hearing-set-for-data-transmission-rules-under-konektadong-pinoy-act-1230">Public hearing set for data transmission rules under Konektadong Pinoy Act</a></div>He added that the initiative will cover the entire country and require sustained inter-agency cooperation. “So from Batanes to Jolo ito. So this will be a deeply rooted coordination between agencies—DICT, NEA, electric cooperatives and National Telecommunications Commission.” Looking ahead, Aguda encouraged joint efforts in areas still lacking both power and telecom infrastructure. “Dun sa ibang areas na wala pa talagang poste tsaka telecoms hindi ba maganda na sabay na tayo magkabit.”He concluded by underscoring the evolving role of electric cooperatives in the digital age.“From powering homes, they will now also help powering connectivity, bringing internet, digital services and information closer to the people.”

NEA and DICT formalized a partnership on Wednesday, April 29, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening both electrification and digital connectivity across the country.

NEA and DICT formalized a partnership on Wednesday, April 29, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening both electrification and digital connectivity across the country.

NEA and DICT sign MOU to boost power, internet connectivity collaboration

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NEA and DICT sign MOU to boost power, internet connectivity collaboration

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 29, 2026 08:48 PM PHT

Read More:

NEA

DICT

internet connectivity

konektadong pinoy

MOU signing

Quezon City

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