IN TODAY'S digital era, internet connectivity is crucial for accessing education, health care, business and government services. Due to geographical challenges, the Philippines faces a significant digital divide, especially in remote areas.

As of February 2023, the Philippines has 85.16 million internet users, representing 73.1 percent of its population. However, internet access distribution is uneven. While the National Capital Region has an 83 percent internet penetration rate, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has just 7 percent.