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Lacson appeals for support for DICT broadband project: Sen. Panfilo Lacson defends the proposed 2021 budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) amounting to P14.1 billion Friday, November 20, 2020. He appealed to colleagues to support the department’s national broadband program which aims to provide internet connection to government agencies, local government units and state universities and colleges nationwide. “I have repeatedly appealed to our colleagues to support the national broadband programs because this is the new normal. If we complete the funding requirements by augmenting the necessary amount then we will have a very efficient internet service available to all government agencies, including local government units,” Lacson said. According to Lacson, DICT needs P18 billion to complete its national broadband program but only P5.9 billion has been allocated for next year. He said the funds will provide internet connection to the National Capital Region up to Davao but will exclude Regions I and II and some small island provinces like Palawan. He said when the project is completed, the government could save P34.25 billion in five years. (Albert Calvelo/Senate PRIB)