Michael CuetoIn a move to make internet wi-fi services readily available in the Philippines, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has appropriated to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at least P2.5 billion to finance the implementation of the “Free Public Internet Access Program” or FPIAP.
The FPIAP shall cover the provision of ICT infrastructure, and assets and services to achieve internet wi-fi connectivity in public places, as well as in state universities and colleges all over the country.
Underscoring this initiative by DICT was the bold promise of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to expand internet services to remote areas in the country.
Notably, the Marcos administration has earlier committed to put up the Broadband ng Masa (BBM) and Free Wi-Fi for All Programs in far-flung areas for the nation’s progress in terms of technological advancements.
The President stated that the BBM program would be extended to far and rural areas so that all Filipinos will be able to communicate with their families, friends, and coworkers from just about anywhere in the country. “This is just the beginning. We will do this so that we can say that all Filipinos are able to contact other Filipinos,” he said.
According to the President, the BBM program would be expanded to remote and far-flung provinces to enable all Filipinos to connect with families, friends and colleagues from virtually anywhere in the Philippines. “This is just the beginning. We will do this so that we can say that all Filipinos are able to contact other Filipinos,” he said.
The government’s plans for digitalization will be helpful for students and families in rural areas, President Marcos added. At the moment, around 4,757 live sites have already been activated nationwide under the said programs. This number is expected to increase once the program gets into full-swing.
News links:
https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2022/VolumeI/DICT/A.pdf
