USAID Launches Digital Connectivity Project of 1.65 Billion Pesos; The Resilient Cities project has also been launched – Manila Bulletin

A five-year project that will increase digital connectivity in the Philippines was recently launched by the US government.

Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) program was launched on Thursday, October 28, the United States Embassy in the Philippines announced.

This is a 1.65 billion pesos project that will promote economic growth through better information and communications technologies (ICTs), helping to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for extensive digital infrastructure and broadband connectivity,” said Sean Callahan, Acting Mission Director for USAID in the Philippines.

“We are delighted to partner with the Philippine government, the private sector and other organizations to accelerate the country’s economic growth and regional competitiveness by supporting a stronger and more competitive digital ecosystem,” Callahan said.

As part of the BEACON project, USAID will help improve the ICT and logistics infrastructure in the Philippines; strengthen the regulatory, business and innovation environment; and strengthen cybersecurity.

To help bridge the digital divide in the Philippines, BEACON will help the government in automation and digitization efforts, and support community networks to expand low-cost Internet access to underserved communities.

“BEACON supports the Philippines’ national strategies and the US government’s goal of advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region through enhanced digital connectivity,” USAID said.

On the same day, a five-year project that will help the country become more climate resilient was also launched by USAID.

This is a £ 750million Climate Resilient Cities project that aims to help cities across the country, which is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world, adapt, mitigate and endure the impacts of climate change by increasing their access to climate finance. and tools to build resilience.