DICT launches free Wi-Fi in 23 sites

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) simultaneously launched yesterday its Free Wi-Fi for All program in 23 Internet sites across seventeen regions in the country.

DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II led the National Capital Region (NCR) leg of the launch held at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City.

Since he assumed office last July 1, about 308 live sites had been added to the existing operational Wi-Fi sites, making a total of 3,000 as of October 2. The DICT targets to install a total of 8,073 operational live sites this year.

“This is just the start. We will continue doing this not just for the remainder of the term of the president, but beyond it,” Honasan vowed.

DICT’s aim is to provide fast, cheap, if not free, and secure Internet access to the Filipino people, providing them access to data which they can transform into opportunities for progress and growth.

“It is important that we connect everybody to everybody else. Connectivity does not only unite the country, induce political unity and social cohesion, but also promote economic prosperity,” the DICT secretary underscored.

Addressing the patients and staff of the Army General Hospital as well as officers from the Philippine Army, Honasan stressed the importance of Internet connectivity in the operational readiness of soldiers, especially during man-made and natural calamities.

Major General Jesus B. Sarsagat, Acting Vice Commander of the Philippine Army, said they are looking forward for more partnerships in the future. The Philippine Army has other facilities to be installed with free Wi-Fi.

“This project will definitely boost the morale of our men and women while recuperating from sickness. Projects such as this is one way of thanking them for the sacrifices that they have made for the country. It is also a way of making their stay at the hospital more comfortable,” he added. Last July, the DICT installed the program at the Armed Forces of the Philippines V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City.

“[President Rodrigo Duterte’s] marching orders were very clear. You connect the government to our citizens and you connect the government to its fighting men and women that are protecting our democracy,” Honasan said.(with a report from Martin A. Sadongdong)