By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster the country’s education sector, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) facilitated the release of P3 billion to expand free internet access for students and teachers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS).
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman hailed the agency’s initiative as pivotal in enhancing the quality of education and connectivity in public schools, effectively bridging the digital divide for young learners and educators that previously had little or no internet access.
She said in a statement, “The President’s goal is to achieve 100% connectivity in all schools nationwide before the end of the year. This funding marks a major step toward realizing that vision.”
Of the total fund, ₱1.5 billion will be allocated to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Connectivity Enhancement Program for E-Learning, which aims to provide access to online learning materials and digital tools even for students in the most remote barangays.
In addition, the DBM has released another ₱1.5 billion to the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to support the Free Public Internet Access Program, specifically to fund internet connectivity, chargeable against the agency’s Special Account in the General Fund—Free Public Internet Access Fund.
The Budget chief declared, “Before, weak or non-existent internet signals were a challenge for schools in remote areas. Today, we are making nationwide connectivity a reality. Through this program, students and teachers—especially in far-flung areas—will finally benefit from reliable digital access. No Filipino learner will be left behind in digital education.”
This initiative, a collaborative effort with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, underscores a whole-of-government approach in bolstering the government’s flagship Free Wi-Fi for All program and bringing about change that resonates with the citizenry. (with report from Denisse Osorio | PTV News)
jpv
