MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As the city here is set to observe the 6th anniversary of its liberation from the five-month influence of Maute terrorist group in 2017, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has made sure that it could express solidarity in the most relevant and memorable means.

DICT-12 and Mainland BARMM Regional Director Mario Cuñado shared that among the events they lined up in line with this month’s significant commemoration was the provision of free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access for guests at the City Hall Gymnasium where the highlight program was held, and the cybersecurity and data privacy awareness campaign which invited employees of the various line agencies and the city government, and students to participate. 

He stated that these activities were proof of the dedication of his office to live out their mandate, among which is to improve the public's reach to internet access and protect their identity as everyone adopts digital innovations. 

“The DICT is involved in several programs and projects aimed at advancing ICT in the city. The free public Wi-Fi project aimed to provide free Wi-Fi access in public areas across the city, and improve the internet connectivity and accessibility for underserved Muslim Filipinos,” said Cuñado.

The DICT official clarified that his office has undertaken numerous initiatives to help the city recover from the devastating conflict six years ago.

Alongside the implementation of the public Wi-Fi project, Cuñado detailed that they have also enforced the National Broadband Plan and the Government Network (GovNet) Project.

He mentioned that as of April 27 this year, there have already been 24 free Wi-Fi sites installed here, including 18 sites integrated into the GovNet Project and five sites in the temporary transitory shelters located in Barangays Sagonsongan and Bito Buadi Parba, all in this city. Meanwhile, 80 government agencies and state universities and colleges (SUCs) have had internet connectivity.

Cuñado further noted that they have likewise materialized some cybersecurity initiatives as his department has been tasked to be involved in the development of a national cybersecurity plan to safeguard critical information infrastructure and data. 

Partaking in the recovery efforts for the Islamic city’s ground zero and all impacted residents, he assured continuous effort from their end so that they could witness the healing of their Maranao brothers and sisters. 

“(We do this to) improve the communication and enable citizens in the city to have access to government services to fulfill the mandate of restoring the most affected area (MAA),” said Cuñado. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)