In a landmark event for Philippine digital infrastructure, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) led the official launch of the Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) Government Network (GovNet) Project, making it the first DICT initiative in the country to harness the cutting-edge Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology.
“This technology will enable government offices to transfer large amounts of data efficiently, improving communication and accelerating access to government services thereby increasing productivity,” said DICT secretary Ivan Uy.
“Its broader impact will be felt in promoting e-commerce, advancing tech education, financial inclusivity and supporting startup growth.”
The CDO GovNet Project initially connects 98 government offices, state universities, colleges, and schools throughout the city.
As a key element of the National Broadband Plan, GovNet is dedicated to connecting government offices across the country through advanced fiber optic technology, setting the stage for faster, more reliable Internet service nationwide.
GPON technology offers high-speed internet with bandwidth capacities of up to 2.5 Gbps downstream and 1.25 Gbps upstream, enabling efficient data transfer and seamless communication across government agencies.
In addition to introducing this new infrastructure, Uy underscored the Philippines’ progress on the global stage, including achieving Tier 2 status in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Cybersecurity Index from Tier 3, advancing to 73rd in the E-Government Development Index from 89th in 2022, and moving up to 53rd in the Global Digital Innovation Index from 59th in the previous year.
Uy also announced the recent approval of a $288 million (P16 billion) World Bank loan, marking a critical milestone in the expansion of the National Broadband Plan.
The new funding is intended to accelerate broadband infrastructure development, extending connectivity across Mindanao and bridging digital divides in underserved regions.
