THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said on Sunday it has energized 621 free WiFi hotspots in 207 public schools in Palawan, widening internet access in one of the country’s most geographically dispersed provinces as the government accelerates its digital inclusion drive.
The activation came alongside the distribution of computers and tablets and the launch of a provincial technology blueprint under the Digital Bayanihan Caravan, an initiative led by the DICT’s regional office in the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region.
Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Faye Condez-de Sagon said the agency intends to keep expanding its footprint until the country’s most remote communities are connected.
She said that ‘no one should be left offline,’ noting that the ‘DICT has spent more than a year connecting remote islands and won’t stop until the country’s farthest communities feel the benefits of getting online.’
Aside from the WiFi sites, 10 public schools received 100 computer sets under the Gadgets for Good Program, implemented with outsourcing firm Concentrix, while 87 barangay health centers were given tablets preloaded with mWell teleconsultation services and Health Pass access, allowing residents to consult doctors without traveling to town centers.
The caravan also saw the launch of the Palawan ICT Roadmap, which will guide the province’s digital development, and the graduation of 19 scholars from a social media marketing course. Five of the graduates have collectively generated P354,600 in online sales using skills from the training.