BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology and the provincial government unit of Mountain Province are collaborating to provide internet services in the barangays in the province.
DICT Provincial Officer Hermenegildo C. Castañeda said the DICT will be funding the installation of internet connection to 68 barangays to bridge the digital divide by making connectivity more affordable.
“The DICT’s Free Wifi program aims to bridge the digital divide by making connectivity more affordable and accessible, giving the Filipinos better access to online spaces especially digitalization is highly important and relevant in today’s era. Especially nagado ti opportunities online nga very empowering to communities,” he said.
Through the program, access of the internet by the community will be at a minimal cost.
“For example, through the free Wifi program, citizens can access the internet at minimal cost, allowing them to enroll in online courses to enhance their knowledge and skills, apply for online jobs, access information quickly, make transactions more easily, and conveniently access government services,” he said.
Castañeda explained that due to budget constraints, 68 barangays are initially prioritized, either they requested connectivity or were selected based on their current connectivity status.
“In partnership with the Office of the Congressman and the Provincial Governor’s Office of Mountain Province, we finalized the list of barangays to receive the kits. However, the provision of free Wi-Fi doesn’t stop here. Efforts are ongoing, and in the coming months or years, all barangays and public spaces in Mountain Province will benefit from this program,” he said.
The 68 barangay beneficiaries include 10 from Bauko, nine each from Bontoc and Tadian; seven from Besao; six each from Sabangan, Sadanga, and Barlig, and five each from Natonin, Paracelis, and Sagada,
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. assured his support to hasten the installation of internet satellite in the target barangays. He also reminded the recipients of their shared responsibility in the maintenance and safeguarding of the Wi-Fi facilities.
The governor also offered the assistance of the provincial government in requesting for the renewal of the Wi-Fi subscription of the beneficiaries after the one-year free Wi-Fi allocation. (JDP/CGS/VJLT-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)
