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🎵Inawagan na'yo🎵

🎵Talaon na ng pagbabago🎵

🎵Dahil sa ito ay kinakailangan🎵

🎵Tayo na nagtulong-tulong🎵

🎵Napakula rin ang mahawag natin🎵

🎵Dahil sa ito ay kinakailangan🎵

🎵Talaon na ng pagbabago🎵

🎵Ayos ang mga dapat ayusin🎵

🎵Dapat lang maging tumuling🎵

Please remain standing for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by the invocation.

🎵Dahil sa ito ay kinakailangan🎵

🎵D whipped the

...Mga kababayanIAng pambansang awit ng Pilipinas🎵

outrageous singing

intense singing

pandemia

Eridum

butterfly

Allan

Thank you for watching!

Please remain standing for our invocation.

Please remain standing for our invocation.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

To deliver the welcome remarks, may we call on the Information and Communications Technology Secretary, Ivan John Iuy.

The implementation of a robust national broadband infrastructure

will enable the government to support a 2-terabit connection

originating from the western seaboard of the United States to our eastern shores,

laying the groundwork for high-speed, large-capacity, reliable, and economical connectivity

which will definitely spur the economic development in the region.

As I close, let me express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your support of our shared vision.

Your presence today is a testament to our collective commitment to building a brighter future for all Filipinos.

I congratulate our DICT team on connectivity, led by Undersecretary Jeff Dee,

for fast-tracking the implementation.

Fast-tracking the implementation of this long-delayed project, which began seven years ago.

So, we were able to do it in less than two years.

Just as we establish physical connections to bring high-speed internet access

to our communities, we must also strive to establish deeper connections

with our kababayans, stakeholders, and those in need.

After all, true progress is not just about cables we lay,

but about the connections we foster, both digital and human.

Thank you very much for joining us in this journey, and Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

Thank you, Secretary Uy!

To deliver his message, may we call on the Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia at Meta,

Dr. Raphael Frankel.

You're excellent, Dr. chopped . . . . you know, that you음 . . .

Your Excellency, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,

Distinguished Government Officials, our partners at the U.S. Embassy,

ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

I'm Rafael Frankel, the Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia at Meta Platforms.

We're the parent company of Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Quest.

At Meta, we build technologies that help people connect,

build and find communities, and grow businesses large and small.

We extend our congratulations to the President and his team on today's launch,

which marks another milestone in Meta's investment in the Philippines,

but also in the very long-standing and warm relationship

between the Philippines and the American business community.

The Philippines is an important country for Meta.

Over the last seven years here, we have invested in digital literacy,

digital entrepreneurship, and connectivity.

The Pacific Light Cable Network, the PLCN,

that connects the United States and the Philippines,

was a groundbreaking project for us.

It was our first major infrastructure investment in the Philippines,

and it will not be the last.

This cable system increases internet,

capacity to help people,

especially overseas Filipino workers and Balikbayan's abroad,

to stay connected with their families here at home.

It will support the acceleration of Philippines' digital economic growth,

and the PLCN will provide two terabits of capacity to the government,

which will power up the Philippine national fiber backbone.

Since the PLCN,

Meta has invested in the Philippines,

and the Philippines has invested in three more subsea cables connecting the Philippines.

We have Jupiter in partnership with PLDT, launched in 2022,

Apricot and Bifrost, which are in construction with other consortium,

due to be completed within the next few years.

And when completed, all four subsea cable systems

can potentially enable over $34 billion of additional GDP growth

and support the creation of more than three new subsea cables.

These investments will connect the future,

and will help establish the Philippines

as an alternative interconnectivity hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

On behalf of Meta, I would like to congratulate our long-time partners,

DICT and BCDA on today's launch.

It was a long time coming, but here we are,

and we're incredibly happy to have this success and build it together with you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for working with us.

Thank you, Dr. Frankel.

It's an honor to be part of the National Fiber Backbone,

and we look forward to having a deeper partnership and presence here for many years to come,

with the people, communities, businesses, and the government of the Philippines.

Maraming salamat po.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Dr. Frankel.

And now may we call on Dr. Jay.

Thank you.

Thank you, Dr. Jay.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Dr. Jay.

Thank you.

Thank you, Dr. Jay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Ms. Jay-Jay, the Chair of the United States of the Philippines, why Robert Ewing for his

message?

Good morning, everyone.

I am honored to join you today as we light up the first phase of the National Fiber Backbone,

a significant addition to the Philippines technology infrastructure that will help deliver on President Marcos'

to make the Philippines a regional hub for data by significantly increasing local access to fast, reliable, and secure internet connections.

Today's ceremony represents an enormous stride forward in our partnership with the Philippines

to deliver broadband connectivity across this archipelago.

Increased connectivity at high speed empowers businesses and communities to contribute meaningfully to the country's economic growth.

As your partners in prosperity, the United States supports the Philippines in its plans to develop a digitally-based new economy,

including through undersea cable investments.

Fiber-optic cable systems like the National Fiber Backbone are the information highways

that enable the global digital economy to connect our nations, our private sectors, and our peoples digitally.

We are proud that through the assistance of USAID, the Philippines was able to accelerate the implementation of its National Broadband Plan,

which includes lighting the National Fiber Backbone.

I am also proud that one of America's most significant companies in the digital space, Meta,

backed this network by providing its capacity.

This is only the beginning.

It took a lot of effort and expertise to complete this, the first phase.

But we're confident that the Philippines' course towards better and safer connectivity.

I would like to congratulate His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

and the Department of Informations and Communications Technology for this successful launch.

As we deepen our technology relationship, including through the first-ever cyber- and digitalization,

I know that we will be celebrating many more milestones like this.

As your partner in prosperity, the United States remains committed to partnering with the Philippines for a digital future.

Good morning and thank you very much.

Thank you, Chargé de Fer Ewing.

At this point, we shall now proceed with the lighting up ceremony which shall signal the official launch of the National Fiber Backbone.

The initial 600 Gbps spectrum, 500 Gbps of which will be given to BCDA and 100 Gbps to the Philippine Government will be delivered from Equinix Data Center in Los Angeles, USA through the Pacific Light Cable Network, PLC, and towards the government-owned cable landing station in Baler, Aurora.

May we kindly request the President to gather the DICT.

and Dr. Rafael Frankel of META to commence the official launching ceremony.

Now, we will be requesting the President to kindly press the button to officially launch the National Fiber Backbone Phase 1 project.

And at the count of three, Mr. President, please press the button.

Three, two, one.

Time Out.

Very Good!

Hyah!

Music

Music

Music

Music

Music

Music

Music

Music

Music

Music

And that officially launches the National Fiber Backbone Phase 1.

Thank you, Mr. President, and congratulations to DICT and our stakeholders.

And at this juncture, may we call on the DICT Secretary Ivan John Iwit

to introduce our guest of honor and keynote speaker.

Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Republic of the Philippines,

His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Thank you very much to our DICT Secretary.

Thank you for his introduction. Please do take your seats.

The Charger Affairs of the Embassy of the United States of the Philippines,

Robert Ewing, Pasay City Mayor, Imelda Calixto Rubiano,

and Meta Public Policy for Southeast Asia Director, Rafael Franco,

my fellow workers in government, my partners in the private sector,

other distinguished guests,

ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

I have made it clear since the start of my term

that one of the top priorities that this administration recognizes

is to create a digital Philippines.

We went to our people.

To end, we asked them what the problems are.

And the response was as expected.

Our people want to receive fast, reliable, affordable,

internet services, and our agencies equipped with the best information technology tools that are available.

So to attain these goals, our government, through the DICT, has developed the National Broadband Program, or the NBP.

It aims to provide appropriate interventions in terms of policies and infrastructure so that even the most remote areas can enjoy the benefits of having modern and state-of-the-art connections.

Why do we do all of this?

It is because it is clear to us that the internet has become the backbone of trade, communications, transactions within and amongst communities.

Because this backbone links us together, then it serves as the economic spine that props up our growth and supports our development.

More importantly, we understand that in order for Filipinos to reach their full potential,

we must invest in a fast and reliable internet.

It gives me pleasure to lead the grand launch of phase one of the first and only government-owned national fiber backbone.

I acknowledge the efforts of the diligent officials and personnel of the DICT.

This is a great start to this long-term and multi-phased program.

I also wish to extend my profound gratitude to our partners in the private and public sectors,

including the BCDA, Transco, NGC, and the NBP.

And the consortium that was led by META.

Indeed, the successful completion of phase one is an enormous breakthrough.

And as we continue in our quest to increase internet connectivity and service capacity.

Spanning 1,245 kilometers, the NFB phase one is composed of 28 nodes from Lawag, Ilocos Norte, down to Rosas, Queso de Sida.

It will also have an initial 600 Gbps optical spectrum capacity to serve the needs of the government and communities along the way.

It means that it will bring high-speed internet access to at least 14 provinces in Northern and Central Luzon,

two national government data centers, and four BCDA ecozones.

Furthermore, it will empower 346 national and local governments.

It will boost their overall operational efficiency and generate more than 145 million pesos in potential savings annually.

Additionally, it will extend a digital lifeline to more than 3,000 Filipinos and different free Wi-Fi sites.

Enabling direct internet access for approximately 750,000 beneficiaries.

In regions 1, 3, and here in the NCR.

We look forward to the completion of the five next phases of the National Fiber Backbone Project by 2026.

Once finished, the DICT expects to increase the penetration rate from 33%, as it is now, to 65%,

reaching 70 million Filipinos out of the current 115 million population nationwide.

It will also lower the price to as much as $5 per Mbps.

Lastly, nationally, this is the infrastructure that will open employment opportunities,

improve market efficiency, attract foreign investment,

and stimulate livelihood across the different sectors of our economy and our society.

It will close the digital divide,

and bring to our people the transformative power of free and fast access to information.

It will allow the state to guarantee the people's enjoyment of the internet as a basic human right.

Even this early, we are assured that the NFP Phase 1 will already make a significant impact on our internet connectivity,

as well as in the day-to-day activities of ordinary Filipinos.

One of the most important aspects that we have always focused upon,

is an effort, and that's why connectivity has been very important,

is that it is a very big push to bring MSMEs into the digital space,

so that we get to the point where the sari-sari store doesn't sell only to the village.

The sari-sari store can sell anywhere.

And that brings us into the digital space.

Even what we refer to as nano-enterprises,

I mean, I'm talking about the shoe shine boy, the mechanical who has odd jobs,

all of these nano-enterprises will also have access to that.

And that will give them more opportunities.

And that is such an important part of the economic transformation that we are hoping to achieve here in the Philippines.

And as we begin to reap the benefits of this project in our daily lives,

let this serve as an indicator of even grander ambitions and developments in the country in the future.

That is, if we remain determined and steadfast in completing the next phases of this project

to further build on our capacity, boost our connectivity, and foster greater inclusivity.

With that said, I call upon everyone involved in this mega-project

to remain committed to our original vision.

To bring our businesses closer to consumers,

our nation closer to the rest of the world,

and our people closer to their loved ones,

all through the connections that we are building through the National Fiber Backbone.

So to all my fellow public servants,

my challenge to you is to spread these initiatives to all corners of the Philippines,

especially to those who remain without access to the internet.

Let us remain steadfast in our belief that working side by side,

pressing on, keeping our promises one by one,

we will attain a Bagong Pilipinas that fosters a more secure, comfortable, and fulfilled life for everyone.

Let us persist in pushing the boundaries of what is achievable,

collaborating, innovating, and adapting whenever possible

to ensure that every Filipino is empowered in this digital era.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I look forward to seeing the fruits of the first phase of the National Fiber Backbone

and the subsequent completion of the National Broadband Plan.

But as for now, on this very important day,

congratulations to one and all.

Mabuhay ang bagong Pilipinas.

Maraming salamat po at magandang umaga po sa inyo na.

Thank you, Mr. President.

And at this point,

may we request the President to kindly grant us a photo opportunity.

For our first set,

may we request the DICT Senior Executive Officials to please proceed on stage.

And for our next set,

National Fiber Backbone Phase 1,

partners and stakeholders,

please stand by.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Now you may exit to your right, please.

Now for our set 2,

Muslim- certeza.

National Fiber Backbone Phase 1 partners and stakeholders,

please proceed on stage.

Please proceed on stage.

Thank you. Please exit to your right.

Finally, the National Broadband Program Project Management Team, please proceed on stage.

Thank you.

Thank you. Please exit to your right.

Thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

Again, thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

And that concludes our program. Thank you, Mr. President, for gazing us with your presence.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President, for bringing a

Thank you, Mr. President, for gazing us with your presence.

Thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

and that concludes our program. Thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

Thank you, Mr. President, for granting us a photo opportunity.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

Walang magkahayang.

Wala.

Bye, sir.

Bye, sir.

Wish na wish.

Peace, peace.

Again, thank you so much.

And now we will proceed to the second part of our program.

Peace, peace, peace.