The Department of Information and Communications Technology has expanded free internet services to remote island communities across Palawan, activating 621 Wi-Fi hotspots in 207 public schools to help bridge the digital divide.
This effort was led through the MIMAROPA office’s Digital Bayanihan Caravan, which also turned over 100 computer sets to 10 schools, gave telemedicine-ready tablets to 87 health centers, and launched the province’s long-term ICT development roadmap. Nineteen aspiring entrepreneurs completed digital marketing training, with five already earning over P354,600 in online sales using their new skills.
The initiative follows President Marcos Jr.’s push for wider digital inclusion and complies with the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act. DICT officials pledged to keep expanding services until even the farthest villages can access education, healthcare and economic opportunities, noting that latest data shows only 28% of Filipino households have fixed broadband connections.
Representing DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Usec. Faye Condez-de Sagon said no one should be left offline. She said DICT has spent more than a year connecting remote islands and won’t stop until the country’s farthest communities feel the benefits of getting online.
