QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Luzon Cluster 3 and the Free Wi-Fi for All Program have finally provided the entire island province of Catanduanes and Sorsogon with access to free Internet connection.
With all their municipalities connected to the program, even the residents of the province’s most remote, vulnerable, and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) are now able to access opportunities, data and information through the use of Free Wi-Fi hotspots.
“Your DICT recognizes that connectivity is imperative in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation, hence we are striving to reach more areas and connect more people,” DICT Undersecretary Jose Arturo C. De Castro said.
There are currently 146 Free Wi-Fi for All hotspots in 69 locations activated in Catanduanes, with 26 in schools/libraries, 70 in National Government Agencies (NGAs), 27 in public hospitals and health care units, and 23 in public plazas and open areas.
Meanwhile, in Sorsogon, there are now 397 hotspots in 253 locations across its 15 municipalities—89 of which are situated in schools/libraries, 178 in NGAs and Local Government Units (LGUs), 88 in hospitals, and 42 in public plazas.
“In alignment with our mission of providing every Filipino with access to vital ICT infostructure and services, we have worked on enabling the provision of internet connectivity even up to the Island Province of Catanduanes,” DICT LC3 Director Cheryl C. Ortega said.
“Moving forward, our cluster is committed into connecting the remote and isolated areas, thus aiming for 100% provision of Free Wi-Fi for All in all municipalities throughout the MIMAROPA and BICOL Regions,” she added.
The Free Wi-Fi for All Program is one of the DICT’s flagship programs that aims to provide free internet access in public places nationwide, pursuant to Republic Act 10929 also known as the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.
As of October 26, 2021, the Free Wi-Fi for All program had established a total of 11,400 sites nationwide. (DICT)
