Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose Gambito meets DICT officials to firm - up plans for the 'Wi Fi ti Umili' (Free Wi Fi for the Masses) Program. The program targets barangay halls and public schools with poor internet connectivity. 9 Photo Courtesy - PLGU NV )
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) — The provincial government here will be expanding the free internet accessibility in the province in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications.
Governor Jose Gambito said the PLGU-DICT partnership will saturate free internet accessibility in public schools and barangays of the province.
Dubbed ‘Free Wifi Ti Umili’ (WiFi for the Villagers) program, the Governor said the initiative will unburden Novo Vizcayanos, especially the poor from loading their cellphones and laptops to get internet accessibility.
“The importance of connectivity and information communication technology in today’s digital age should be felt by our constituents as they pay their taxes to the government,” Gambito said.
He said the “Wifi Ti Umili” program aims to spur digital transformation towards economic development in Nueva Vizcaya.
Gambito said the program will enable the youth to participate in online learning and Novo Vizcayanos, in general to perform online transactions, and utilize other online services which will contribute to digital economy in our province.
The NV PLGU-DICT Free Wi Fi Partnership Program will boost internet connectivity of Novo Vizcayanos especially those in Geographically Isolated and Depressed Areas. (Photo Courtesy - PLGU NV )
Johanna Tulauan, DICT provincial director, said the implementation of the free WiFi program phase 1 in the province will cover 54 beneficiaries which include barangay halls, health and daycare centers, public elementary, and secondary schools in the towns of Aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Quezon, and Villaverde.
“The 54 beneficiaries are located in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged barangays. These are communities with marginalized populations who are physically and economically separated from mainstream society,” she said.
Bambang Vice Mayor Arnel Duldulao welcomed the expansion of free internet accessibility in the province, saying this will be a big help for poor students and barangay officials especially those in internet-poor areas.
“This will also enhance and boost our vigilance and programs to curb criminality in our communities,” he said.
Julie Ann Salunat, a student of the Nueva Vizcaya State University said the free WiFi Project will boost our learning.
“It's a good project especially for students like us because we sometimes rely on the internet in making our assignments and expanding our knowledge or advance study. It will also help the working students lessen their daily expenses,” she said. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)
