By Jessa M. Cleopas
MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — Aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting inclusivity across the Philippines, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently launched the “Connectivity, Capacity, and Resiliency through Free Wi-Fi for All (CoRe FW4A)” project at the Malaybalay People’s Hall.
It activated 600 Free Wi-Fi Access Points (APs) strategically installed in 150 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and 150 Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities across the Philippines.
This project supports DICT’s program established under Republic Act 10929, the Free Internet Access in Public Spaces Act of 2017. It aims to provide internet access to marginalized areas and bridge the digital divide.
In Bukidnon, seven GIDAs and IP communities will benefit, including Cabadiangan Barangay Hall in Kadingilan, Santa Filomena Barangay Hall in Quezon, Saint Peter Barangay Hall in Malaybalay City, Dolorosa Barangay Hall in Dangcagan, Maraymaray Barangay Hall in Don Carlos, Kalabugao Barangay Hall in Impasugong, and Sampaguita Barangay Hall in Kibawe.
Paul Tuason, DICT’s project director, said the initiative will empower communities by providing learning opportunities and fostering positive development to enhance connectivity and support the growth of remote and underserved areas.
“DICT aims to enhance public internet access nationwide, enabling Filipinos to leverage technology for education, innovation, and socioeconomic growth while bridging the digital divide. The project will improve access in higher education institutions, public health facilities, local government units, GIDAs, and IP communities, benefiting all citizens, including women, youth, and marginalized groups,” he said.
The CoRe FW4A project, implemented directly by UNDP, offers free internet access in public spaces. UNDP contributes its network, experts, and service providers to support DICT’s efforts in developing the necessary ICT infrastructure for improved connectivity in far-off communities.
DICT Project Director Paul Tuason, Vivien Suerte-Cortez, team leader of the United Nations Development Program, Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, NCIP Chief Rolan Aldovino, and officials from the local government and various government agencies pressed the button to kickstart the Free Wi-Fi for All project in the country’s 600 remote areas. (JMC/Malaybalay LGU/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
Vivien Suerte-Cortez, team leader of the United Nations Development Program said this project will strengthen DICT’s capacity to install and manage ICT equipment and conduct ICT assessments and planning.
Rolan Aldovino, officer in charge of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), also emphasized the project’s goal of providing equal internet access to Indigenous communities in Bukidnon.
“IP communities are empowered to learn, adapt, and create opportunities for positive development through this initiative,” he said.
Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran encouraged residents to use the free Wi-Fi productively, including developing city projects through social media.
Renato “Datu Makayuba” Sumbongan, Malaybalay Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative, thanked the government for its support. He said the free Wi-fi not only provides internet access but also empowers the IP communities while promoting inclusivity.
Cristoto Lailay Jr., Barangay St. Peter IPMR, also thanked the DICT and UNDP for the Free Wi-Fi access. He described the initiative as a blessing to the IP communities as it reduces internet costs and enables them to showcase their products on social media.
“By enhancing digital literacy and skills, these communities can participate in the digital economy, share their stories and traditions globally, and advocate for their rights on a worldwide platform,” the DICT project director said. (JMCleopas/Malaybalay LGU/PIA-Bukidnon)
Fortinet FortiAP 423F Wireless Access Points enabled centralized reporting, traffic analysis, configuration management, and log retention in seven IP communities in Bukidnon. (JMC/Malaybalay LGU/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
