LAWMAKERS are pushing to strengthen digital access and modernize education nationwide after a House panel approved the consolidation of eight proposed measures seeking to establish Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs in all provinces.

The House Committee on Information and Communications Technology backed the proposal, citing the growing importance of reliable internet connectivity in education and other essential services.

Linabelle Villarica said the Covid-19 pandemic exposed major gaps in the country’s digital readiness, particularly the poor, intermittent, and unreliable broadband services that left many Filipinos disconnected from learning and other opportunities.

Villarica, author of House Bill No. 2429 or the proposed Online Philippines Act, said the digital divide remains severe in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas where students and communities continue to face difficulties in accessing online education and digital resources.

Under the proposal, at least one ICT hub will be established in every province as part of a wider digital infrastructure network linked through the National Broadband Program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Committee Chair Miguel Luis Villafuerte emphasized that technology and internet access have become essential in daily life, particularly in education, business, and government services.

Supporters of the measure said expanding ICT infrastructure could help schools improve access to online learning platforms, support digital classrooms, and provide students and teachers with more reliable connectivity, especially in underserved communities.

The proposed National ICT Plan will also require an assessment of every province to determine the number and type of ICT hubs needed to support local development goals.

Meanwhile, Antonino Roman III suggested clustering provincial ICT hubs with related support facilities or nearby provinces to make funding and implementation more feasible.

The substitute bill, with House Bill No. 661 serving as the principal measure, was approved by the Committee subject to style revisions and possible amendments from the Committee on Ways and Means regarding incentive provisions.

Lawmakers said the initiative aims to build stronger digital foundations that will support inclusive education and prepare provinces for future technological demands.