Negros occidental: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has successfully distributed 15,800 Bayanihan SIM cards to public schools and communities in six local government units in Negros Occidental from January to July. This initiative is part of the Free Public Internet Access Program-Bayanihan SIM Project, which aims to broaden Free Wi-Fi access and enhance digital connectivity across the nation.
According to Philippines News Agency, DICT-Negros Occidental provincial head Mary Jane Maravilla-Agonace emphasized the project's importance for underserved areas, providing beneficiaries with SIM cards that include one year of free Internet service. Agonace stated, "For many families, this means one less financial burden and one more opportunity for their children to study and stay connected to learning."
Agonace further noted the DICT's commitment to improving access to free Internet services, with plans to distribute an additional 2,780 Bayanihan SIM cards in the upcoming month. Each SIM card offers 25GB of mobile data per month for a year, ensuring beneficiaries benefit from easier Internet access and lower connectivity costs.
The distribution included significant allocations to various schools and communities. In Isabela, the Isabela National High School - Sikatuna received 735 Smart SIM cards, while Sikatuna Elementary School obtained 489. Other recipients included Moises Padilla and Isabela beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, with 450 and 160 SIM cards, respectively.
In Moises Padilla, E. Basa Elementary School was provided with 179 Globe SIM cards, and Guinpana-an National High School received 1,012. In Sipalay City, Gil Montilla NNHS-Main received 1,012 SIM cards, while Candoni's Quirico G. Manzano NHS was given 1,017 Smart SIM cards.
Sagay City also benefited, with Hamticon Elementary School receiving 86 Smart SIM cards, Bato NHS obtaining 1,466, and Vito NHS 1,228. These distributions are part of a broader effort to ensure that students and communities in rural areas have access to essential digital resources, ultimately supporting educational and social development.
