Angara urges DICT to speed up free Wi-Fi’s in SUCs
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara on Friday urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expedite the implementation of the free Wi-Fi project in all state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country.
Citing data from the DICT, Angara said only two –Aklan State University and CARAGA State
University – have been provided free Internet connectivity as of July this year of the 112 SUCs under its “PipolKonek! Free Wi-Fi Project.”
“Tayo po ay nadidismaya sa napakabagal na pagpapatupad ng libreng Wi-Fi para sa ating mga mag-aaral (We are truly dismayed at the slow pace at which this free Wi-Fi project for our students is being implemented),” Angara said.
“The Internet keeps us connected with our family and friends. Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa mga estudyanteng malayo sa kani-kanilang pamilya (This is a big help to our students especially those who are far away from their families),” the senator added.
Angara noted that Congress appropriated 1327 million for the Wi-Fi installation in all SUCs in the country this year.
But as of June this year, the DICT was only able to utilize 10 percent of the budget for the said project.
The Commission on Audit (COA), in its 2017 reportalso noted that the project achieved a “very low performance rate.”
The lawmaker said he is expecting DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio to explain before the Senate committee the cause of delay, and the steps being undertaken to fasttrack its implementation during the budget hearings.
“Ensuring free Internet connectivity in SUCs can help the students with their research, school assignments and projects,” said Angara, who is vice chair of the Senate finance committee.
“Kung libre ang Wi-Fi, malaki sana ang kanilang matitipid sa halip na gumastos sila sa computer shops o sa pagpapa-load para makapag-Internet, (If they have access to free Wi-Fi, they will be able to save money than spend more for computer shops or having to load up just so they can have Internet access,” he added.
The “PipolKonek! Free Wi-Fi Project” has a total budget of 11.7-billion for 2018, which includes 1327-million for SUCs and 11.36-billion for free Wi-Fi in public places.