Latest news with #BagongPilipinas
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos vows nationwide internet access in public schools by end of 2025
'Napakahalaga ng internet sa ating pagtahak patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. Kaya nitong padaliin at baguhin ang pamumuhay ng ating mga mamamayan. Hindi lang ito para sa may kaya, o para lamang sa mga bata. Ito ay para sa lahat,' said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. during his SONA on July 28, 2025. Public schools across the Philippines should have internet connectivity by the end of 2025, along with the expansion of towers and cell sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said Monday. In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are working to have all public schools connected to the internet. 'Napakahalaga ng internet sa ating pagtahak patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. Kaya nitong padaliin at baguhin ang pamumuhay ng ating mga mamamayan. Hindi lang ito para sa may kaya, o para lamang sa mga bata. Ito ay para sa lahat,' he said. 'Halos labindalawang libong pampublikong paaralan pa ang walang internet. Kaya sinisiguro ng DICT at DepEd na bago matapos ang taong ito, magkakaroon na ng koneksyon sa internet ang lahat ng pampublikong paaralan,' he added. (The internet is vital in our journey toward a Bagong Pilipinas. It can simplify and transform the lives of our people. It is not just for the wealthy, or only for the young. It is for everyone. Almost 12,000 public schools still have no internet access. That's why the DICT and the DepEd are making sure that before the end of this year, all public schools will be connected to the internet.) 'Ngayong taon din, nagsimula na tayong mamigay ng mahigit isang milyong SIM cards na may libreng data para sa ating mga eskuwelahan, lalo na sa mga liblib na pook. At dahil pinaganda at pinabilis natin, dadami pa ang mga bagong torre at cell sites sa mga GIDAS. Ngunit kulang pa rin ang mga ito,' he said. (This year, we also began distributing over one million SIM cards with free data for our schools, especially those in remote areas. And because we have improved and sped up the process, more new towers and cell sites will be built in GIDAS. But these are still not enough.) Marcos in his speech also said the first three phases of the national Fiber Backbone project have already been completed, but agencies are working to improve coverage in GIDAs or areas that are physically and socio-economically separated from mainstream society. The National Broadband Plan Phase 1 involved the activation of 26 nodes from Laoag City in Ilocos Norte to Roces in Quezon City using the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines' (NGCP) dark fiber. Subsequent phases extended the network reach to connect to more regions across the country. With this, Marcos on Monday said there are now almost 19,000 free wifi sites across the country, up from just 4,000 in 2022. — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos vows internet for all public schools by end of 2025
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed Monday that all public schools in the Philippines will have internet access before the end of 2025, as part of his administration's aggressive push to modernize education and bridge the country's digital divide. During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the lack of connectivity in thousands of schools remains a major challenge, but one his administration is determined to solve within the year. 'Halos labindalawang libong pampublikong paaralan pa ang walang internet. Kaya sinisiguro ng DICT at DepEd na bago matapos ang taong ito, magkakaroon na ng koneksyon sa internet ang lahat ng pampublikong paaralan,' he noted. (Nearly 12,000 public schools still have no internet. That's why the DICT and DepEd are making sure that before the year ends, every public school will be connected to the internet.) Marcos emphasized that internet access is a vital tool in building a "Bagong Pilipinas"—a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready nation. 'Napakahalaga ng internet sa ating pagtahak patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas... Hindi lang ito para sa may kaya, o para lamang sa mga bata. Ito ay para sa lahat,' he said. (The internet is crucial in our path toward a New Philippines... It is not just for the privileged or for the young. It is for everyone.) He reported that the first three phases of the National Fiber Backbone project have been completed, significantly enhancing the country's internet infrastructure. At the same time, the number of Free Wi-Fi sites nationwide has jumped from just 4,000 in June 2022 to nearly 19,000 this year. Additionally, over a million SIM cards loaded with free data have been distributed to schools, particularly in far-flung areas, to support distance learning and digital access for students and teachers. 'Ngayong taon din, nagsimula na tayong mamigay ng mahigit isang milyong SIM cards na may libreng data para sa ating mga eskuwelahan, lalo na sa mga liblib na pook,' Marcos said. (This year, we began distributing over a million SIM cards with free data to our schools, especially in remote areas.) More towers and cell sites are also being constructed in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to ensure even the most remote schools will not be left behind. The President's statement aligns with his broader education reforms, which include free higher education, teacher support, and digital learning tools like laptops and smart TVs. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
UAE Moments
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Sofronio Vasquez to Sing National Anthem at Marcos's 2025 SONA
Internationally recognized singer Sofronio Vasquez III will sing the national anthem to open President Marcos Jr.'s 2025 State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa on July 28. From The Voice USA to the Batasan Remember him? The first Filipino champ of The Voice USA! Now based in the U.S., Vasquez flew back just for this moment. For him, it's more than a gig—it's a full-circle moment. Singing from the Heart He's going a cappella, and yes, that's hard—but he says it's not just about hitting the right notes. It's a tribute to the country, God, and the people. His message? Unity. Simplicity. Filipino pride. Marcos Set to Deliver Fourth SONA Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). With only three years left in his term, the details of this year's address remain largely under wraps. In a brief social media post the night before, Marcos simply said he is 'all set to deliver the message of Bagong Pilipinas.' Traditionally, SONAs serve two key purposes: to report on the administration's accomplishments over the past year, and to lay out plans and priorities for the future. It's also a platform where major announcements—whether economic, legislative, or political—are often made.
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Rep. Martin Romualdez reelected as House Speaker in 20th Congress
Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez was officially reelected as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday during the opening of the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress. Romualdez secured his second consecutive term as Speaker with an overwhelming 269 votes. His nomination was backed by several major political blocs, including: •Party-list Coalition, represented by TUCP Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza •Lakas-CMD, represented by Quezon Rep. Jayjay Suarez •Nationalist People's Coalition, represented by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga •Nacionalista Party, represented by Misamis Oriental Rep. Yevgeny Emano •National Unity Party, represented by Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno •Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, represented by Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos In his nominating speech, Rep. Suarez praised Romualdez's performance during the 19th Congress, describing him as a results-oriented leader who embodies 'dignified, decisive, and compassionate leadership.' He emphasized that Romualdez worked not for the spotlight but for meaningful outcomes, leading one of the most productive legislative terms in recent years and pushing key measures aligned with the administration's Bagong Pilipinas agenda. Romualdez ran unopposed, and no other lawmaker was nominated for the speakership. Ahead of the vote, 291 House members signed a manifesto of support for Romualdez's reelection, including Pampanga Rep. and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, who served as the House Minority Leader in the previous Congress. Lawmakers who did not vote for Romualdez are expected to elect their minority leader in a separate proceeding.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Romualdez reelected Speaker for 20th Congress
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was reelected as Speaker of the House of Representatives during the opening of the First Regular Session of the 20th Congress Monday. Romualdez secured his second consecutive stint as top House leader with 269 votes after his nomination was supported by the following political parties: Party-list Coalition represented by TUCP party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza Lakas-CMD represented by Quezon Rep. Jayjay Suarez Nationalist People's Coalition represented by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga Nacionalista Party represented by Yevgeny Emano National Unity Party represented by Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno Partido Federal ng Pilipinas represented by Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos "I rise today to nominate a man whose leadership has been tested, proven, and deeply felt across this chamber and beyond: the Honorable Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. In the 19th Congress, Speaker Romualdez steered this institution with both resolve and wisdom," Suarez said. "Under his stewardship, the House of Representatives became a true House of the People — responsive to the needs of the nation, attuned to the voice of the common Filipino, and anchored in the values of unity, service, and progress," he added. Suarez also said that Romualdez works hard not for the spotlight, but for results. "His leadership transcends titles; it is grounded in listening, guided by principle, and driven by an enduring faith in the Filipino people. Under his watch, he delivered one of the most productive and purposeful legislative terms in recent memory. We passed priority measures that advanced the goals of Bagong Pilipinas, empowered communities, and created pathways for inclusive and sustainable growth," he said. "Let us entrust the Speakership to a man who has already shown us what dignified, decisive, and compassionate leadership looks like," Suarez further said. No other lawmaker was nominated for the post. At least 291 members of the House earlier signed a manifesto supporting Romualdez's reelection, including Pampanga Rep. and former President Gloria Arroyo and 19th Congress House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan. All the House members who did not vote for Romualdez will elect their leader in a separate election. Libanan is expected to be reelected as minority leader. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
