DICT activates 621 free Wi-Fi hotspots in 207 Palawan public schools

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Friday activated 621 free Wi-Fi hotspots in 207 public schools across Palawan as part of the government's efforts to bridge the digital divide in geographically isolated and underserved communities.

In a news release, the DICT said the rollout was part of the Digital Bayanihan Caravan led by its MIMAROPA Regional Office under Republic Act 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act.

The agency also distributed computers and tablets across the province.

Through the Gadgets for Good Program, implemented in partnership with Concentrix, 10 public schools received a total of 100 computer sets.

Meanwhile, 87 barangay health centers were provided with tablets equipped with mWell teleconsultation and Health Pass applications, giving residents easier access to healthcare services.

The DICT also launched the Palawan ICT Roadmap, a long-term blueprint to guide the province's digital transformation.

Citing World Bank data, the DICT said only 28% of Filipino households had fixed broadband access as of 2023, a connectivity gap the government hopes to narrow through the Free Wi-Fi Program.

DICT Undersecretary Faye Condez-de Sagon said the agency has spent more than a year expanding internet connectivity to remote islands and "won't stop until the country's farthest communities feel the benefits of getting online." —VBL, GMA News