LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Internet connectivity has been made easier and more accessible as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered to provide 300 free Wi-Fi access points across 150 public health facilities in the country.
There are now free Wi-Fi access points in this province, located at the district hospitals of Bangui and Dingras towns and at the Rural Health Unit in Badoc.
This development was reported during the free Wi-Fi program’s ceremonial launch held recently at the Fort Ilocandia Resort in Laoag City, led by DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy.
Through these free Wi-Fi access points, the program aims to enhance nationwide public internet access so as to empower Filipinos with the tools necessary for education, innovation, and socio-economic participation and to bridge the digital divide.
UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran highlighted the significance of this launch for advancing connectivity and improving service delivery in public health facilities.
“Our partnership with DICT has shown significant outcomes. Installing 300 free Wi-Fi access points ensures that every Filipino has access to essential resources and services, especially during healthcare crises,” Ramachandran stated.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations have access to the health services they need, with these Wi-Fi access points strengthening telemedicine capabilities.
DICT Secretary Uy added that providing free internet access in health centers and hospitals would enhance efforts to bring telemedicine to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
“This initiative will alleviate undue pressure on barangay healthcare providers, allowing them to diagnose patients remotely, which is particularly beneficial for our indigenous communities,” Uy said.
He announced that DICT would extend the reach of free Wi-Fi initiatives under the “BroadBand ng MASA” program nationwide.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said that connectivity is a significant issue in public facilities within the province.
“Telemedicine is a potential game-changer given the distance our patients need to travel. This initiative will greatly assist the barangay folk by reducing the need to travel to hospitals,” said Manotoc.
He also thanked the DICT for holding the launch in the province, as he committed to supporting the endeavors of the agency for information and communications technology for the people. (AMB/MJTAB/JFHG/PIA Ilocos Norte)
