By Brian Campued
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday launched the Free Wi-Fi for All program in the province of Tawi-Tawi, in its bid to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities, especially in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
The rollout of 53 free wi-fi sites across 25 locations in the country’s southernmost part coincided with the Tawi-Tawi leg of the DICT’s Digital Bayanihan Roadshow as part of the 2025 National ICT Month.
Along with the free wi-fi, the DICT also launched the eLGU system in Bongao town, unveiled an ICT-enabled platform for telemedicine services in Tandubas, and turned over ICT equipment for the Abdel Mustafa Elementary School in Sitangkai.
The DICT and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost connectivity projects in the region.
Providing internet access in Tawi-Tawi is expected to enhance education, economic development, and public service delivery in the province and enable opportunities and digital solutions for a connected future.
Speaking on behalf of DICT Sec. Henry Rhoel Aguda, Usec. Paul Joseph Mercado reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make internet access more inclusive, accessible, and faster for Filipinos as part of the digital transformation efforts under the “Bagong Pilipinas”.
“Ang ating mahal na Pangulo ay solid supporter ng ICT. Nauunawaan niya na ang mga makabagong teknolohiya na hatid ng ICT tulad ng artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, digital economy, at marami pang iba ay naka-angkla sa connectivity,” Aguda said in a speech read by Mercado.
“Without connectivity, these technologies will not work properly. Kaya naman malinaw ang mandato sa aming ahensya: ipaabot ang connectivity sa lahat ng panig ng Pilipinas.”
-jpv
