CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the MIMAROPA region has successfully installed WiFi connectivity in areas affected by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs).
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on March 18, DICT MIMAROPA Regional Director Emmy Lou Delfin said that the agency prioritized the installation of internet infrastructure in remote and conflict-affected communities to provide residents with better access to information and create new opportunities for livelihood.
“The installation of WiFi connectivity to the areas affected by CTGs is not just about connecting people online. It is about bridging gaps and giving opportunities for the livelihood of the residents in those areas that were previously unavailable to them,” said Delfin.
Ensuring that citizens in these areas are not left behind in the digital age, DICT said that the government hopes to empower these communities through access to education, vital information and economic prospects by providing free internet access.
“The decision to bring connectivity to these areas follows the government’s goal of improving information flow and supporting inclusive development,” she said.
Delfin added that the “Free WiFi For All” program is part of a broader national program aimed at addressing challenges in remote areas—many of which have been heavily impacted by the presence of insurgent groups.
In MIMAROPA region, a total of 60 CTG-affected communities were installed Free WiFi connectivity by the DICT.
She said that these infrastructures that were installed in several barangays will help counter insurgent influence by providing communities with reliable sources of information allowing them to make informed decisions about their future.
“These WiFi connectivity in the areas affected by CTGs will help para malaman ng mga residents na may ginagawa ang government at ang ating mga authorities. These informations will also help them to make informed decisions,” she said.
Moreover, the DICT also established 14 Tech4Ed centers and seven Digital Transformation Centers in CTG-affected areas in the whole MIMAROPA region.
In a presentation, DICT said “…these initiatives have been particularly instrumental in fostering development in CTG-affected areas, empowering residents with opportunities for growth and progress through technology-driven solutions.”
Around four CTG-affected barangays in Occidental Mindoro and one CTG-affected barangay in Oriental Mindoro also received Cybersecurity and Advocacy Training Programs from the DICT.
As of now, the DICT is continuing to expand the reach of its internet services in the region, with plans for more installations in the coming months. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)
