The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday said it has approved the allocation of P3.681 billion to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to continue the implementation of the Nationwide Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).
The amount will be collected from the Special Account of the General Fund Free Public Internet Access Fund (SAGF-FPIAF) for fiscal year 2024, DBM said in a news release.
The additional P3.681 billion is on top of the P2.5 billion already allocated to the FPIAF this year and is expected to be fully disbursed this month.
“Our free WiFi program will continue. By approving this supplemental budget within the adjusted fiscal program, we reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing inclusive and accessible internet for all,” Budget Secretary Amena Pangandaman said.
“In accordance with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will ensure that all our citizens, all Filipinos, continue their digital transformation journey,” Pangandaman added.
“In accordance with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will ensure that every citizen in every region of the country benefits from our digital transformation efforts.”
DBM said the released funds are expected to benefit a total of 13,462 access point (AP) sites across the country.
According to the DBM, part of the FPIAP will include building and maintaining ICT infrastructure such as towers, data centres and internet connectivity.
The program aims to maintain connectivity in public areas such as schools, libraries, parks and transportation hubs, providing Filipinos with reliable internet services for education, work and activities of daily life.
“With the budget now released, we hope the DICT will expedite the disbursement of funds and hasten the implementation of programs,” the budget chief said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
