23 August 2024 | 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management has released a P3.68 billion fund to continue the nationwide free WiFi program.
Budget Secretary Amena Pangandaman approved the disbursement of the funds to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“We hope that the DICT will expedite the disbursement of the funds and speed up the implementation of the program,” Pangandaman said.
This additional funding will sustain the nationwide implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), benefiting 13,462 access point sites.
This will be funded from a special account in the fiscal year 2024 General Fund Free Public Internet Access Fund.
The FPIAF was previously allocated P2.5 billion, with the full amount due to be disbursed this month.
Building and maintaining information and communications technology infrastructure such as towers, data centers and internet connections is part of the FPIAP.
The program also aims to maintain connectivity in public areas such as schools, libraries, parks and transportation hubs by providing Filipinos with reliable internet services for education and work.
Pangandaman said the approval of the supplementary budget within the government’s adjusted fiscal plan will prioritize inclusive and accessible internet for all.
