Silay city: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has officially integrated Silay City in Negros Occidental into the Free Wi-Fi for All Program, enhancing internet connectivity in two notable public locations in the city. Silaynons now have access to free Wi-Fi at the public plaza and the Roberto L. Jalandoni Silay City College campus.
According to Philippines News Agency, each site offers a minimum of 200 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds, designed to accommodate up to 1,200 users daily. The ceremonial launch at the public plaza was led by Mayor Joedith Gallego and DICT-NIR officer-in-charge-Regional Director Ramil Jeff Taboso.
"Access to the internet is no longer a luxury reserved for a few - it is a fundamental public utility. Today, we are breaking down digital barriers and ensuring that no Silaynon is left behind in our fast-evolving modern world," Taboso stated during the launch.
In conjunction with the program launch, Mayor Gallego and Director Taboso signed a memorandum of understanding focused on digital learning and capacity-building initiatives for Silaynons. The event was attended by various city officials and Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez.
Councilor Chris Paolo Tiongco, who chairs the City Council's committee on ICT, expressed, "This is our dream, for technology to become an instrument that brings services closer to our fellow Silaynons. If our community is more connected, more Silaynons will be given opportunities."
The launch also featured a Cyber Hygiene Talk, where participants learned about cybersecurity, personal information protection, and safe internet usage. Additionally, some Silaynons received assistance in registering for the eGOVPH mobile app to better access digital government services.
The Free Wi-Fi for All Program is executed under Republic Act No. 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, aimed at promoting digital inclusion and socioeconomic development by offering free internet access in public areas.
