Learners and teachers in the remote village of Barangay Sikatuna in Isabela, Negros Occidental, are now experiencing improved digital connectivity as the first beneficiaries of the national government’s “Juan SIM Ng Bayan Program” or the “Bayanihan SIM Project” in Negros Island Region (NIR).
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) distributed free subscriber identity module (SIM) cards and mobile data to learners, teachers, and staff of two schools during the program launch at the border barangay on Monday, Jan. 12.
DICT-Negros Occidental provincial head Mary Jane Agonace said on Wednesday that the “Bayanihan SIM Project” supports the need for digital connectivity in the education sector.
“As the Bayanihan SIM is serving the farthest communities, the impact is felt deeper among our marginalized learners. It also inspires our educators in these areas to be updated and innovate their teaching approach,” she said.
The beneficiaries included 730 students, teachers, and school staff of the Isabela National High School-Sikatuna Extension as well as 405 students and teachers of Sikatuna Elementary School.
They each received a free SIM card, inclusive of 25 gigabytes (GB) of data per month for 12 months to help support online learning, communication, and access to essential digital services.
The DICT is collaborating with Smart Communications Inc., the official service provider, in the implementation of the “Bayanihan SIM Project”.
In an earlier statement, DICT-NIR Regional Director Ramil Jeff Taboso said that by availing free SIM cards with 25 GB of mobile data monthly for one year, the beneficiaries are assured of easier internet access and reduced connectivity costs.
Through the landmark initiative, the DICT aims to accelerate the expansion of Free Wi-Fi access and improve digital connectivity across the country.
The “Bayanihan SIM Project” targets to benefit 697,780 recipients nationwide, extending digital access through Free Wi-Fi and low-cost connectivity in priority communities.*PNA
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