MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is fulfilling his commitment to achieve full digital connectivity in all public schools across the country.
A concrete proof of this is the release of ₱3 billion by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expand free internet access for students and teachers, especially those in so-called “last mile” schools and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
According to Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, “Before, weak or non-existent internet signals were a challenge for schools in remote areas. Today, we are making nationwide connectivity a reality. Through this program, students and teachers—especially in far-flung areas—will finally benefit from reliable digital access. No Filipino learner will be left behind in digital education.”
“Once free internet access is fully implemented in last mile schools and far-flung areas, our students and teachers will no longer have to spend much or travel far just to get Wi-Fi access. We want every young Filipino—whether in the city or in the farthest island—to have equal access to quality education,” Secretary Amenah added.
Of the total fund, ₱1.5 billion will be allocated to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Connectivity Enhancement Program for E-Learning, which aims to provide access to online learning materials and digital tools even for students in the most remote barangays.
“The President’s goal is to achieve 100% connectivity in all schools nationwide before the end of the year. This funding marks a major step toward realizing that vision,” Secretary Pangandaman emphasized.
Under Special Provision No. 26 of the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the program will be implemented by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through its regional offices, using the list of schools provided by DepEd. The two agencies will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to define their respective roles in ensuring efficient and timely implementation of the program.
At least 8,253 public schools are expected to benefit from the ₱1.5-billion allocation for DepEd, most of which are located in areas that have long struggled with poor or no internet connectivity.
In addition, the DBM has released another ₱1.5 billion to the DICT to support the Free Public Internet Access Program, specifically to fund internet connectivity, chargeable against the agency’s Special Account in the General Fund – Free Public Internet Access Fund.
“The President recognizes the importance of reliable internet connectivity in advancing digital learning—not just for students, but also for our teachers. Together with DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, we are united in fulfilling President Bongbong Marcos’ directive of providing free Wi-Fi for all,” Pangandaman added.
With this latest release, the government reaffirms its commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every Filipino learner—whether in bustling cities or distant islands—enjoys equal access to quality, connected education. (Mabuhay News Online)
