CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) MIMAROPA has successfully deployed 1,243 free Wi-Fi sites across the MIMAROPA region.
The initiative, which is part of the government’s ongoing effort to provide free internet access to underserved areas, aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to information, education, and essential services for millions of residents, DICT said.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on November 19, DICT MIMAROPA Regional Director Emmy Lou V. Delfin said that the deployment of free Wi-Fi sites across MIMAROPA is a significant milestone in the government’s “Free Wi-Fi for All” program.
The program, which started in 2017, has been instrumental in bringing internet connectivity to remote and rural areas that previously lacked access to reliable broadband services.
“We are proud to say that MIMAROPA residents now have access to fast, free internet in 1,243 public spaces, such as schools, libraries, barangay halls, and government offices,” said Delfin.
The newly activated free Wi-Fi sites in the region will provide internet access to thousands of individuals in remote communities, including students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and local government units, all of whom rely on digital connectivity for education, business, and government services.
Delfin added that the program aims to provide residents with the tools they need to stay connected to the world.
“Many of our residents have struggled to access information or even conduct basic transactions due to poor connectivity. With free Wi-Fi now available, we’re opening up new doors for economic growth, education, and even healthcare,” she stressed.
The DICT has also been working with Starlink to improve connectivity in MIMAROPA, especially in hard-to-reach areas. The agency has made significant investments in satellite internet services and fiber-optic cables, ensuring that more remote areas are covered by high-speed internet.
Likewise, local government units will be able to offer more efficient services to their constituents by utilizing online platforms for public health announcements, social services, and disaster response efforts.
She said that plans are already underway to further expand the Free Wi-Fi program to other areas in the region, ensuring that all have access to digital services and opportunities.
“This is a step to be connected where technology is a tool for everyone to succeed,” Delfin said. (ALG/PIA MIMAROPA)
