Manila: Parents of 2,780 learners in Anda, Pangasinan received free SIM (subscriber identity module) cards with 25 gigabytes (GB) of free data monthly for one year from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through its 'Bayanihan SIM' project.

According to Philippines News Agency, DICT, in partnership with Globe Telecommunications and in coordination with the Department of Education, distributed the SIM cards on Monday to parents of students of Anda National High School, Batiarao Elementary School, Macaleeng Elementary School, Macaleeng National High School, Macandocandong Elementary School, Sablig Elementary School, and Tori-Tori Elementary School.

DICT Undersecretary Faye de Sagon stated that the project targets geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), particularly where schools are located. She emphasized that they are ensuring all distributed SIM cards are operational and that sites with inappropriate content cannot be accessed by students. "There should be no porn sites. We do spot checks for each batch that's delivered. We're very careful about that," she said.

De Sagon also noted that they are ramping up distribution activities to reach their target of 1 million SIM cards by June. "That's our target because the priority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last year is for the education sector to be the first to benefit from our connectivity programs. This year, the target will be the barangay halls and health centers," she added.

DICT stated that the 'JuanSim ng Bayan' program is in line with President Marcos' directive to ensure no Filipino is left offline. The initiative aims to accelerate nationwide access to free and reliable internet connectivity, targeting far-flung schools, underserved communities, and GIDAs.