Manila, Philippines – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to the Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to support implementation of the Philippines National Broadband Network Project.  The grant will fund technical assistance to help DICT advance its plans to provide broadband access to underserved markets throughout the Philippines.

The advisors, which are to be selected by DICT from qualified U.S. firms, will assist DICT in refining technical and operational designs, assessing future market demand, and preparing documentation required for the financing and implementation of the network.     

“This grant demonstrates USTDA’s commitment to supporting the development of quality information and communications infrastructure and broadband capabilities in the Philippines,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director.  “At the same time, this project will expand opportunities for U.S. companies to deliver innovative technologies and solutions in the Philippines market.”

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, signed the grant on behalf of USTDA, along with DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr., during a ceremony at DICT headquarters in Manila.  

“The U.S. is a strong friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines, and I am proud to expand our partnership in technology and communications,” said Ambassador Kim.  “This grant supports the Philippine government’s goal of improving connectivity across the country and transitioning towards a digital economy.”

The opportunity to conduct this USTDA-sponsored technical assistance will be competed through the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website (www.fbo.gov).   A link to the announcement will be posted to USTDA’s website at www.ustda.gov in the coming weeks.  Interested firms should submit proposals according to the instructions in the FBO announcement.