By Roi Anthoni Lomotan
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology-Negros Island Region (DICT-NIR) added 678 new sites across the region under its “Free Wi-Fi for All” program.
A ceremonial launch of the additional sites was held Aug. 25 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center here, led by DICT and local government officials.
Of the total, 327 sites are in Negros Oriental, 280 in Negros Occidental, and 71 in Siquijor.
The free Wi-Fi facilities cover select public elementary and high schools, state universities and colleges, selected training institutions under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), barangay and city halls, provincial offices, national government agencies, public hospitals and local health units, public markets, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), police stations, public parks, transport terminals and other public spaces.
The expansion follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bring internet connectivity to all communities and promote digital inclusion and socioeconomic development.
“This is fully aligned with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build a Bagong Pilipinas where there is equal opportunity for all, where connectivity reaches every island, every barangay, and every family, and where walang Filipinong maiiwan o mahuhuli (no Filipino will be left behind),” said Reinier Cua, representing DICT Secretary Henry Aguda at the ceremonial launch.
DICT-NIR Director Engr. Ramil Jeff Taboso also said the department, under Secretary Aguda, has shifted from a policy-oriented approach to a more field-based presence by prioritizing regional expansion of its free Wi-Fi program.
Taboso said digital connectivity plays an important role in governance, serving as the backbone of public service delivery.
“Internet access is a basic requirement that accelerates the development of every sector. [For the] Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), [it is] powering digital libraries, research portals and smart classrooms. [For the] Department of Health, [it] enables telemedicine consultations for island and upland clinics, giving patients quick access to specialized care,” Taboso said.
Aside from the ceremonial launch of the new free Wi-Fi sites, DICT recognized partner institutions for their support of the program.
Some of these, including Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), have been identified as recipients of the free Wi-Fi facility.
NORSU student Patrick Floyd Russel said the DICT’s “Free Wi-Fi for All” program has greatly benefited students.
“It promotes inclusivity for all students since not all of us students at NORSU have the capability to be connected at all times. I have personally used the service, and it is such a lifesaver for us — for schoolwork, connecting with our peers and accessing our learning materials,” Russel said.
Russel said the program also helps students financially, saving them money they would otherwise spend at computer shops to access the internet. (RAL/PIA-NIR, Negros Oriental)
