Manila: The national government has released PHP3 billion to fast-track full digital connectivity in public schools, particularly in remote and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, of the total amount, PHP1.5 billion will be allocated to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Connectivity Enhancement Program for E-Learning, targeting over 8,200 ‘last-mile’ schools nationwide. An additional PHP1.5 billion has been designated to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to bolster the Free Public Internet Access Program.
Pangandaman highlighted the previous challenges faced by schools in remote areas due to weak or non-existent Internet signals. “Today, we are making nationwide connectivity a reality,” she stated, emphasizing the benefits of reliable digital access for students and teachers, especially in far-flung regions. The initiative aims to ensure that no Filipino learner is left behind in digital education.
The government has set an ambitious goal to achieve 100 percent school connectivity by the end of 2025. Pangandaman noted that this funding represents a significant step toward realizing this vision.
The 2025 national budget outlines that DICT regional offices will execute the program using DepEd’s list of beneficiary schools through a joint memorandum of agreement. Pangandaman expressed the government’s commitment to providing equal access to quality education for every young Filipino, whether in urban centers or the most remote islands.