The Department of Tourism (DOT) has tapped the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the improvement of online connectivity in Samal Island.

Tourist arrivals have reportedly increased compared to the years when the island was reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of tourists may double once the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge Project is completed.

“So ang banner year is 2019. We had 5.2 million arrivals. That is covering mostly domestic arrivals. 2023 we closed at 3.2 million already so kung mag-base po tayo coming from the pandemic, malaki na masyado ang na-increase natin kasi we started from zero,” DOT-11 Director, Tanya Rabat-Tan, said.

However, there are still areas in the island that could not reached by cell sites, which resulted in poor communication services.

“Isa sa mga na-prioritize natin kasi hindi naman natin masabay sabay is Island Garden city of Samal considering that they have a high number of accommodation facility operating there. So medyo may problem pa sila sa connectivity so isa yun sa mga na-submit natin,” Tan said.

The two agencies are working closely to fast track the need for a strong digital connectivity in the island.

“Our secretary reached out to all the regions to submit areas, priority areas for connectivity. So yung project na yun is in partnership with DOT and with DICT to establish more sound na connectivity,” Tan said.