GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)-10 is expanding northern Mindanao’s internet connectivity through its Free Wi-Fi for All program in Gingoog City, installing 20 free Wi-Fi hotspots at 15 strategic locations on June 24.
In line with Republic Act No. 10929, the Free Wi-Fi for All Program provides free, fast, and secure Internet access in public places across the Philippines, including hospitals, educational institutions, state universities and colleges, airports, seaports, and terminals. This initiative aims to enhance internet accessibility for Filipinos, fostering economic, social, and educational opportunities while bridging the digital divide.
“The Free Wi-Fi for All Program is a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering Filipinos through information and communications technology. As stated in the theme of National ICT Month 2024, ‘Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas,’ a Bayang Digital is where Filipinos are connected and where government efficiency and productivity are enabled by technology. It is a place where Filipinos in cyberspace are safe and secure, and opportunities for innovation and growth are boundless,” said DICT-10 Regional Director Sittie Rahma Alawi.
She emphasized the importance of digital connectivity in maintaining social ties, continuing education, and ensuring economic resilience, particularly in light of recent global crises. Through the free public internet access program, the ICT department provides the community with the tools they need to navigate and overcome these challenges.
Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa expressed gratitude to DICT-10, highlighting how the program will help his constituents connect with their families locally and abroad. He noted that the program would also benefit the city in terms of monitoring and education.
He urged the public to use their digital accessibility responsibly, especially in times of emergency, and assured DICT-10 of the city’s full support. He also announced the construction of the first-ever Gingoog City Digital Transformation Center.
“We already commit our support to the program [of DICT] for the province of Misamis Oriental together with Gov. Peter M. Unabia. We will establish and construct the first-ever Gingoog City Digital Transformation Center, worth P7.5 million. All of our programs, including this, are in line with the GOLD strategic direction, and our vision to become a globally competitive city is within our reach; we can achieve it because of connectivity,” Cañosa said.
Meanwhile, Gingoog City United Colleges, a beneficiary of the program, expressed their gratitude through College President Sheri Love Aguiman. She highlighted the program’s relevance in addressing the needs of their students and providing quality education.
“As one of the recipients of the DICT program of free WiFi connectivity, the program is very relevant, timely, and significant to our college. It is public knowledge that our college lacks classrooms; however, due to the IT programs and technology-based teachings, learning tools, and facilities, we can still provide quality education to our students. Last school year, 3,232 students benefited from this program, and 342 recently graduated,” Aguiman said.
Free WiFi for all has been installed at Doña Josefa Pelaez Reyes Central School, Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital-Gingoog City, Barangay 18-A Elementary School, Gingoog City Rizal Plaza, Manuel Lugod Central School, Magallanes Elementary School, DICT Gingoog DTC Building, Don Restituto Baol Central School, Gingoog City Integrated Bus Terminal, San Juan Central School, Gingoog City United Colleges, Gingoog City Comprehensive NHS, Bagubad Elementary School, Barangay Malinao, and Da Grove @Highway 955.
DICT-10 emphasized that the Free Wi-Fi for All program is more than just a point of connectivity. It is a gateway to education, healthcare services, economic opportunities, and a platform for connection and communication. Students can utilize online learning resources, entrepreneurs can explore e-commerce avenues, and communities can easily connect and collaborate. They encourage the public to utilize the free Wi-Fi to learn new skills, access information, connect with loved ones, and contribute to a more vibrant digital Gingoog City. (JAKA/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
