The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday unveiled its 2026 digital reforms aimed at delivering cheaper, faster, and safer internet services nationwide.
Speaking at Kapihan sa DICT, Secretary Henry R. Aguda said the reforms focus on widening internet access, strengthening public participation, and improving transparency in government spending to ensure Filipinos feel the benefits of a digital-first economy.
A key program is the expanded Bayanihan SIM Project, which provides free internet access to remote schools and underserved communities. The initiative has already connected more than 20,000 Department of Education beneficiaries in 70 schools and 103 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients. Families receive SIM cards with 25GB of monthly data for one year, enabling access to online learning and government services.
The DICT is also strengthening citizen involvement through Oplan Bantay Signal, which allows users to report mobile and internet network quality. Since December 2025, over 558,000 speed tests have been submitted, giving the government data to pinpoint weak signals and push telecom firms to improve services.
In a major transparency reform, the DICT announced the migration of the 2026 national budget to a blockchain system called the Digital Bayanihan Chain. The move digitizes the entire budget cycle—from approval to spending and reporting—creating a permanent, tamper-proof public record of how government funds are used.
To improve daily connectivity, the agency has also launched Free Wi-Fi at 17 EDSA Busway stations, offering speeds of 40–60 Mbps. The service supports safer and more convenient commuting, including access to cashless payments and online services.
Aguda said the reforms are designed to ensure that digital transformation delivers practical benefits, from better internet access to stronger trust in government systems.
