The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has distributed 15,800 Bayanihan SIM cards to public schools and communities in six local government units in Negros Occidental from January to July.
Through the Free Public Internet Access Program-Bayanihan SIM Project, the DICT aims to accelerate the expansion of Free Wi-Fi access and improve digital connectivity across the country.
DICT-Negros Occidental provincial head Mary Jane Maravilla-Agonace said on Wednesday, July 29, that the initiative provides beneficiaries in underserved areas with subscriber identity module (SIM) cards with one year of free Internet service.
“For many families, this means one less financial burden and one more opportunity for their children to study and stay connected to learning,” Agonace said.
She said the DICT remains committed to expanding access to free Internet for more learners to benefit from meaningful digital connectivity, as 2,780 more Bayanihan SIM cards are set for distribution next month.
Each SIM card comes with 25GB of mobile data monthly for one year, assuring beneficiaries of easier Internet access and reduced connectivity costs.
During the distribution in Isabela, the Isabela National High School (NHS) – Sikatuna received 735 Smart SIM cards; Sikatuna Elementary School (ES), 489; Isabela NHS, 83; Moises Padilla and Isabela beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 450 and 160, respectively.
In Moises Padilla, E. Basa ES got 179 Globe SIM cards; Guinpana-an ES, 112; Magallon Cadre ES, 483; Montilla ES, 509; Guinpana-an NHS, 1,012; and Guinpana-an NHS-Mamballo, 485.
Recipients of Smart SIM cards were Agogolo ES, 244; Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia Sr. NHS, 798; Odiong ES, 457; and Moises Padilla ES, 1,264.
In Sipalay City, Gil Montilla NNHS-Main received 1,012 SIM cards; Gil Montilla NHS-Binulig Extension, 853; Sipalay City NHS, 330; and Camindangan ES, 591.
In Candoni, Quirico G. Manzano NHS was provided with 1,017 Smart SIM cards; Candoni Central ES, 1,056; Caningay NHS, 420; and Gatuslao ES, 287.
In Sagay City, Hamticon ES got 86 Smart SIM cards; Bato NHS, 1,466; and Vito NHS, 1,228.*PNA
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