CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Indigenous Peoples (IP) students and teachers at the Ecological Public Secondary School-Arigoy Extension are now benefiting from free internet access under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Free Wi-Fi for All program.
The initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance educational opportunities for Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, has significantly transformed the learning experience at Arigoy Mangyan School.
Prior to the project’s implementation, accessing educational materials and online resources was a major challenge due to geographical isolation and lack of connectivity.
Marcelino L. Azucena, a Grade 12 student, shared how the initiative has benefited them academically, highlighting that with access to the internet, students are now able to expand their knowledge, stay updated with current events and utilize online learning platforms.
“Sa tulong po ng DICT project, nagkaroon po ako ng idea sa mga bagay-bagay at nagpapasalamat po ako dahil nga ang DICT project po na ito or yung pagbibigay po ng internet po para sa amin ay napakalaki na po na tulong sa amin. Tulad na lamang po ng nagkaroon kami ng kaalaman, tungkol sa mga balita dito sa loob at labas ng bansa, sunod po, sa amin pong academic performance, nagkaroon po kami ng mga malawakang impormasyon,” Azucena said.
Teachers have also expressed their appreciation for the initiative, as it has streamlined administrative tasks and improved access to teaching resources.
School head Alexes H. Dequito noted the significant impact of having reliable internet connectivity.
“Dahil nagkaroon ng free internet ang DICT, real time ko na narereceive ang mga updates, yung mga reports na kailangan ipasa, hindi na nahuhuli sa reports ang aming paaralan kasi mayroon na kami internet connection. Yung full feature na ibinigay sa amin, yung 46 na laptops, ay mas namamaximize namin yung gamit, isipin ninyo, kung wala ang DICT free Wi-Fi for all program, maaring mga MS package lamang ang aming pwedeng magamit, pero dahil po meron free internet ang DICT, talagang ang sabi nga is “sky is the limit” at ang mga mag-aaral ay hindi na lamang sa apat na sulok ng classroom yung knowledge na kanilang ma-gegain dahil mas broad, dahil nakaka connect na sila sa online world,” Dequito stated.(JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
