TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte (PIA)- – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to establish 30 more free wifi sites this year in public places of the province.
As guest in a recent episode of Kapihan sa Davao del Norte, DICT Provincial Officer, Engr. Octavio
Guibelondo said his office had already installed free wifi in 58 sites in the province including the free wifi that was part of the DICT launching of the “Smart Island” in Talicud Island, Island Garden City of Samal.
He revealed that most of the additional 30 sites would be located in Panabo City where 18 sites have already been installed with free internet connections mostly in public schools.
Tagum City also already has 18 free wifi sites; Island Garden City of Samal, 10; municipalities of Asuncion, two; Braulio E. Dujali, two; Kapalong, one; Talaingod, one; New Corella, one; San Isidro, one; Carmen, one; Sto Tomas, one.
DICT recently provided the Talicud Island of the Island Garden City of Samal with internet connections aside from turning over computer units to schools through the School-in-a-bat program of Smart Communications.
Meanwhile, Guibelondo explained the significance of lobbying with the House of Representatives of Congressional Districts for funding of free wife rollouts in specific areas.
“Nagsubmit mi ug proposal sa central office (of DICT). I-agi sa mga Congressman for their approval kay sila ang naga-approve sa budget. Kung okay sa ila, i-implement nato,” he said.
[We have submitted a proposal to the central office (of DICT). This has to pass through the
Congressmen for their approval because they are the ones approving the budget. If it would be okay with them, we will implement.]
On the other hand, Guibelondo called on local chief executives (LCEs) who have yet to submit to DICT
their endorsement of support for the National Broadband Program through which the government would be able to subscribe internet from international providers, and provide connections to all national line agencies, local government units, state university and colleges, among other government institutions.
“We are seeking funding from the World Bank, we are asking endorsement letters from LGUs, from the Mayors,” he said referring to funding for the NBP.
Once DICT shall have been done installing fiber optics in Davao City this year as part of the national broadband interconnectivity, DICT will then proceed to Davao del Norte, next year, Guibelondo said.(JMDA, PIA XI)
