PBBM, DICT roll out internet for students in remote areas
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently led the rollout of internet for students and teachers in remote areas as part of his administration’s “Broadband ng Masa Program” (BBMP), which aims to provide internet connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS) across the country.
In a surprise appearance in an “Online Kamustahan” organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the chief executive talked to students and teachers from various parts of the country, including the remote Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
Students and teachers were thrilled to talk directly to President Marcos for the first time.
Many others waved their hands and greeted the President with a Merry Christmas, thanking him for taking the time to join them on Christmas Eve.
“Thank you po sa DICT…MERRY
Christmas, Mister President,” one teacher from Palawan said at the online gathering.
In his message, the President vowed to cover all areas in the country under the BBMP, particularly those that have no access to mobile cellular services.
“Those in remote areas, they need this more. Especially the children, for their schooling. It’s good there are new technologies available, and we’re taking full advantage of,” the President said, partly in Filipino.
The use of digital technologies will significantly improve government services and help the country improve interconnectivity, according to the President.
“Para naman kahit saan sa Pilipinas, makakaramdam tayo ng [In whatever part of the Philippines, we should experience] connectivity. And it s important to have that now,” the President pointed out.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the program seeks to build a “direct connection” between geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and the government.
“We now have a direct connection between people and government, by using this new technology. There are many things that can be done, not just for the children and students, but also for government transactions,” Uy said.
The DICT secretary vowed to step up the program so more people can benefit.
According to the DICT, among the government’s accomplishments towards enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure are the Free Wi-fi for All Program, which established an additional 628 operational free Wi-fi sites—on top of the existing 4,129 sites—bringing the total live sites to 4,757 areas nationwide.
This government service has been accessed by at least 2.1 million unique users, which translates to 100,000 families provided with connectivity all over the country.
Among those who joined the “Online Kamustahan” event were students and school representatives from Pag-asa Island Elementary School in Kalayaan, Palawan; Armenia Elementary School in Uson, Masbate; Bandera Elementary School in the Island Garden City of Samal; Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; Dioryong Integrated School in Nagtipunan, Quirino Province; Villa Espina Elementary School in Lopez, Quezon; and Landang Laum Elementary School in Zamboanga City.