Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has pledged to link 11,964 unserved public schools located in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) to the government’s Free WiFi program by the end of 2025. DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda revealed this commitment during a Senate hearing on Monday, noting that the initiative is integral to the agency’s mission to provide universal and affordable internet connectivity.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Aguda emphasized the importance of reliable internet access, explaining that it is not just about connectivity; it is also crucial for educational purposes. During the Senate Committee on Science and Technology hearing, he stated, ‘Reliable internet is not only about connectivity. It is also the key to education, as our teachers have pointed out today.’ Aguda reiterated the department’s dedication to fulfilling the President’s directive to have all public schools in the Philippines connected by 2025, through the ongoing implementation of the Free WiFi for All Program.
Committee chair Senator Bam Aquino, who is the principal sponsor of Republic Act 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, underscored the necessity of internet access in modern education, work, and daily life. Data presented at the hearing highlighted that only 2,872 of the country’s 58,121 public schools are currently connected to the program, leaving the majority reliant on private providers for internet access. Consequently, 11,964 schools, primarily situated in GIDA areas, remain without internet connectivity.
The DICT has taken on the challenge of bridging this connectivity gap, ensuring that all public schools across the nation will be online by the 2025 deadline. Senator Aquino also called on telecommunications companies to offer discounted rates to the Department of Education to help offset the costs of internet access in schools. Telecom representatives at the hearing expressed their willingness to provide bulk discounts.
The committee report further highlighted the necessity to review the expenditure of nearly PHP18 billion allocated to the Free Public Internet Access Fund from 2018 to 2024. It also emphasized the need to clarify the DICT’s targets, coverage, and maintenance plans for the existing free WiFi sites.