President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for expanded internet access and stronger cybersecurity measures to encourage Filipinos to use digital banking and other online services.

Malacañang said the priorities were discussed during a meeting between Marcos and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Digital Infrastructure Sector Group at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, November 3.

The administration is seeking greater private-sector involvement in expanding internet infrastructure, particularly in remote communities where limited or unavailable connectivity restricts access to education, government services and business opportunities.

Marcos is also reviewing the progress of the Bayanihan SIM Project, which aims to provide connectivity to more Filipinos.

The government is placing emphasis on consumer protection and cybersecurity as financial transactions and commercial activities increasingly shift online. These measures are intended to help people and small businesses conduct digital banking, pay bills and sell products with greater confidence.

The administration also sees digital technology as a means of creating jobs and allowing micro, small and medium enterprises to reach wider markets without leaving their communities.

During the meeting, Marcos also reviewed private-sector proposals involving emerging industries, including the space economy, and ways to develop local talent and encourage skilled Filipino professionals to pursue careers in the country.

The government said closer cooperation with businesses would help build a more inclusive digital economy through improved connectivity, secure online services and expanded economic opportunities.

Smart representatives turned over the AI-in-a-Box package to Atty Sahagun (center). It contained a Smart 5G WiFi device, Smart prepaid load cards, and an AI tool subscription and is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader efforts to make emerging technologies more accessible through a combination of connectivity, digital tools, and learning opportunities.

More than 50 employees of the Palawan provincial government have undergone training on artificial intelligence (AI) applications as part of efforts to improve administrative processes and public service delivery.

The session was conducted by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. under their AI-in-a-Box initiative, which aims to help local government units develop digital skills and explore the use of emerging technologies in government operations.

Participants from various provincial offices were introduced to AI tools that could assist with research, content development, administrative tasks and public engagement.

The initiative also included the turnover of an AI-in-a-Box package containing a Smart 5G WiFi device, prepaid load cards and an AI tool subscription.

Palawan Provincial Administrator Jefrie Sahagun, who opened the session on behalf of Gov. Amy Alvarez, said AI adoption should focus on improving the quality of public services.

He said technology could help government employees work more efficiently but should not replace human judgment, compassion and accountability.

Christian Anthony T. Villon, a supervising administrative officer and data protection officer at the provincial government, said employees were interested in using AI to handle routine tasks such as meeting transcription and other administrative work.

He also cited the potential of the technology to automate manual processes and speed up the delivery of government services.

PLDT and Smart said the initiative forms part of their efforts to support local government units through connectivity, digital tools and training opportunities.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has directed its regional offices nationwide to coordinate with government agencies and private sector groups in supporting public safety and emergency assistance operations during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

In a memorandum issued on Friday, October 30, NTC Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez instructed regional directors to work with local government units, law enforcement agencies, disaster risk reduction offices and emergency response units in their respective areas.

The directive aims to ensure effective communications and coordination among agencies as millions of Filipinos are expected to visit cemeteries, memorial parks and other places to pay tribute to deceased relatives.

Regional offices were also ordered to monitor the operations of Civic Action Groups and Amateur Radio Groups, including their assigned routes, personnel locations, assistance posts and radio base stations throughout the Undas period.

The NTC said it would coordinate with telecommunications service providers when necessary to address reported service problems and help maintain reliable communications, particularly in areas expected to see increased public activity and mobile network traffic.

The commission also urged the public to observe safety advisories, take note of local emergency hotlines, keep mobile phones charged and maintain contact with family members. It reminded the public to use available communication channels responsibly, especially when requesting emergency assistance.