IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has successfully connected 21 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in Zamboanga Sibugay through the provision of free wireless connectivity (WiFi).

Mark Ruelson Gacutan, head of DICT Sibugay, announced the completion of this vital infrastructure, ensuring that remote communities across five municipalities—namely: Titay, Tungawan, R.T. Lim, Payao, and Siay—now have access to digital resources and enhanced communication capabilities via internet connectivity. 

"DICT is diligently fulfilling its mandate under RA 10929, also known as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, with a special emphasis on prioritizing GIDA barangays. This initiative aims to provide essential means of communication and connectivity to communities that have long been marginalized, both physically and socio-economically," Gacutan affirmed.

He elaborated that GIDA communities are those with marginalized populations, physically and socio-economically segregated from mainstream society. 

The deployment of fixed VSATs (satellite communications), fiber technology, and satellite communications-on-the-move terminals commenced in November 2023 and has now been successfully completed. Wi-Fi devices have been strategically installed in barangay halls across these remote areas.

One of the beneficiaries, Cesar Tubil, Sangguniang Kabataan treasurer of Barangay Batungan in Tungawan town, expressed his gratitude for the newfound connectivity.:  "The availability of free Wi-Fi has been immensely beneficial to us. In our location, where signals are virtually non-existent due to our mountainous terrain, this initiative has been a game-changer, particularly for education. Students now flock here to conduct research, enhancing their learning experiences significantly," he said. 

Echoing Tubil's sentiments, Sharon Disurinay, a barangay treasurer, emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative on their day-to-day operations, saying, "The introduction of free Wi-Fi has streamlined our administrative processes. We now conduct most of our transactions online, making communication faster and more efficient. We are sincerely thankful to be among the beneficiaries of this program."

This nationwide endeavor spearheaded by the government through DICT aims to narrow the digital divide, foster opportunities for Filipinos, and empower communities. As connectivity becomes increasingly recognized as a fundamental right, initiatives like these pave the way for a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.  (EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)