The latest initiative focuses on 20 Wi-Fi sites in Basilan region of the country.
Twenty free Wi-Fi sites are set to be launched in Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan, in the last week of June. The initiative is through the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Free Wi-Fi for All Program.
Besides providing Internet access at no charge to users in the selected public places, the “to-be launched Wi-Fi sites” are also expected to provide access to efficient and effective ICT infrastructure and information systems to these communities; promote the use of ICT to improve delivery of critical government services; and provide a lower entry barrier for new Internet users.
“The launch is a milestone achievement for DICT in its efforts to reach the unserved areas in the country with DICT’s Mindanao Cluster 1 (DICT-MC1) overcoming the challenge of a series of bidding failures for the Internet service in Basilan,” states Department of Infrastructure and Communications Technology (DICT). “This was made possible by the Cluster’s move to harness their existing resources, manpower, and by partnering with local stakeholders.”
Maria Teresa M Camba director at DICT MC1 said, the initiative commenced in December 2019 where a backhaul link from Zamboanga City was installed to connect Isabela City, Basilan.
“Our technical team mounted a 33-meter guyed-trylon tower inside the premise of DICT Basilan Office and installed an AirFiber 5U IP Radio facing Zamboanga City,” she said. “This tower serves as the Hub for connecting the free Wi-Fi beneficiary sites. In January 2020, the same was also done in Lamitan City with the support of the LGU.”
Gregorio B. Honasan II director of DICT said the event will be part of this year’s observance of the National ICT Month with the theme “Maximising ICT for the New Normal.”
“We cannot emphasise further the importance of connectivity and access, especially amid the health crisis we are in,” he said. “It has become the lifeblood of our society, providing a sense of normalcy in our lives. And with that, it is your DICT’s duty to ensure the whole country are afforded this right, including the remotest part of the country. It is our duty to ensure the country safely transition to the new normal.”
The following are the sites to be launched:
- DICT Basilan Provincial Office
- Basilan National High School
- Basilan Provincial Capitol
- Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office
- Basilan Provincial Library
- Infantry Brigade101 Headquarters, Isabela City
- Isabela City Hall
- Isabela City Maritime Police
- Isabela City Port
- Isabela City Post Office
- Malamawi National High School
- 18th Infantry Battalion, Armed Forces of the Philippines Camp, Lamitan City
- Business Center, Lamitan City
- Datu Kalun Plaza, Lamitan City
- Digital Hub, Lamitan City
- Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Lamitan City
- Lamitan City Hall
- Lamitan City Health Office
- Lamitan City Port
- Lamitan City Infirmary
Tags: DICTICTPhilippinesWiFi
