'Free WiFi for All' program to boost internet access for last mile schools
The Digital Bayanihan Project is a joint effort by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Education (DepEd). The project aims to expand internet access across schools in remote areas as part of the government's digital inclusion efforts for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) communities.
Among the Last Mile Schools that now have internet access are:
Radagan Elementary School, Ilocos Norte (Region I)
Chanarian Elementary School, Batanes (Region II)
Tibagan Elementary School, Bulacan (Region III)
Caigdal National High School, Quezon (Region IV-A)
Ulanguan Elementary School, Marinduque (Region IV-B)
Lipata Integrated School, Camarines Sur (Region V)
Bay-ang National High School, Iloilo (Region VI)
Salamanca National High School, Cebu (Region VII)
Tigbawan Integrated School, Leyte (Region VIII)
Pag-asa Elementary School, Tawi-Tawi (Region IX)
Dalingap Elementary School, Misamis Occidental (Region X)
Malungon Elementary School, North Cotabato (Region XII)
Cabawa Elementary School, Surigao del Norte (Region XIII)
Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School, Agusan del Norte (Region XIII)
Tangalan National High School, Apayao (CAR)
Previously having limited or no internet connection, these schools are now included in a growing network of connected schools through infrastructure support under the government's Bagong Pilipinas campaign.
'Marami talagang magagawa kapag may internet na. Pararamihin pa namin ito, especially sa GIDA areas—yung mga isolated at underserved,' said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (There's so much more that can be done when there's internet. We will expand this further, especially in GIDA areas—those that are geographically isolated and disadvantaged.)
Education Secretary Sonny Angara took part in the same virtual event while visiting Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Agusan del Norte. The school, previously without electricity, now runs on solar power provided by the National Electrification Administration (NEA). It also received digital learning tools such as Starlink internet, tablets, smart TVs, electric fans and school supplies from the National Electrification Administration and FDC Misamis Power Corporation.
'This is digital bayanihan in action. Kapag kinokonekta natin ang mga paaralan, kinokonekta rin natin ang mga estudyante sa mas magandang kinabukasan,' said Angara. (This is digital bayanihan in action. When we connect schools, we also connect students to a better future.)
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda reiterated the department's goal: to connect all public schools to the internet before the end of 2025.
Through the Free Public Internet Access Program, Bayanihan SIM, and continuous infrastructure deployment, coupled with DepEd's digitalization efforts, the initiative seeks to close the digital divide and support learning across all regions. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
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