Officials of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Friday, Feb. 20, committed to implement initiatives that will fast-track the delivery of digital services closer to remote areas, including disaster-hit communities, in Negros Occidental.
DICT Undersecretary for Special Concerns Christina Faye De Sagon, in a press conference in Bacolod City, underscored the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “to accelerate digital transformation and ensure that no Filipino is left offline.”
“Kaya malinaw ang aming direksyon (Our direction is clear): No Filipino left offline,” she said.
De Sagon and DICT-Negros Island Region Director Jeff Ramil Taboso shared updates on priority digital transformation programs being implemented in Negros Occidental and across the region, underscoring the DICT’s role in strengthening connectivity, cybersecurity, digital governance and digital inclusion.
In terms of disaster response, the DICT has allocated 19 Starlink/VSAT (very small aperture terminal) units across the province.
De Sagon said the DICT has been working with telecommunication companies to ensure that communication lines are restored within two to three days after a calamity strikes.
“We were able to research the fact that the mortality rate increases by 50 percent if, after five days, a disaster-stricken area has no means of communication. We work really hard not just within DICT, but also with our telco partners,” she added.
The Free Public Internet Access Program has deployed 235 free Wi-Fi sites, covering 27 of 32 municipalities and cities in Negros Occidental.
“We continue to implement this. The DICT is working to ensure connectivity in these areas. That is the commitment of the DICT to the local government units (LGUs),” Taboso said.
The connectivity drive initiatives align with broader government reforms to provide affordable and reliable internet access nationwide, anchored on landmark policies such as the Konektadong Pinoy Act, that will promote, develop and sustain new communication technologies and the best quality of data transmission services at an affordable cost and at standards consistent with the needs of the public.
On digital governance, the eGovPH Super App has reached 393,450 downloads in Negros Occidental, representing 14.7 percent of the population, while 15 LGUs are already operational under eLGU to promote faster, more transparent and accessible public service delivery.
The DICT’s Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs and Economic Development continues to expand digital skills training, with 74 trainings and eight proficiency exams conducted across 118 program centers in the province.*PNA
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