The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched 678 free Wi-Fi sites across the Negros Island Region (NIR) on Thursday, expanding public internet access in the three provinces.
The deployment spans 248 locations across 56 municipalities and 196 barangays, with 327 sites in Negros Oriental, 280 in Negros Occidental, and 71 in Siquijor.
DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda, in a video message, said the initiative supports the government’s efforts to improve service delivery, education, and livelihood opportunities, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Aguda said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the DICT to bring digital services closer to Filipinos in communities nationwide.
“Today, we are putting that into action,” Aguda said, noting that the DICT has 40 access points in the NIR, including 12 at tourist sites and 28 at government support locations.
Each site provides at least 200 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds and is expected to serve up to 1,200 users daily.
“It is not just about fast Internet but about giving people the tools to move forward,” Aguda said.
DICT-NIR Regional Director Engr. Ramil Taboso described the deployment as a step toward creating opportunities, empowering communities, and building the digital future for the newly reunited NIR.
Taboso said the DICT will ensure that geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas are also included in the program.
The Wi-Fi sites cover public elementary and secondary schools, state universities and colleges, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions, barangay and city halls, provincial offices, government agencies, public hospitals, markets, disaster offices, police stations, parks, and plazas.
During the launch, DICT handed out certificates of recognition to schools, offices, and government agencies that have been provided with free Wi-Fi under the initiative.
These include the Negros Oriental State University (two main campuses), Dumaguete City Public Market, Negros Oriental Integrated Provincial Health Office, Dumaguete City Hall, Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Training Center-TESDA, Negros Oriental Provincial Capitol, and Philippine Statistics Authority, among others.
The Free Wi-Fi for All Program aims to help communities access digital services, educational resources, government information, and online opportunities for livelihoods and business.
The program is implemented under Republic Act No. 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, which promotes digital inclusion and socioeconomic development by providing free internet access in public places.*PNA
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