DICT Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Management Phillip Varilla (fourth from left) and Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates (fifth from left) at the VJR Hall of the Provincial Capitol on February 5th, 37 jointly launched a free Wi-Fi site. Pictured are PhilSA Executive Director Dr. Joel Marciano (first from left), DICT Mimaropa Regional Director Cheryl Ortega (second from left), USAID Program Officer Alison Gardner, and DICT Regional Development Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa. Kamba (last from left) is also pictured. ).
Internet connectivity in Palawan received a major boost with the recent rollout of free WiFi to 37 strategic and underserved locations, including major tourist hubs, through the Information and Communication Technology Department’s Broadband ng Masa Project .
The official launch of Broadband ng Masa (BBM) in Palawan took place on February 6 at the Provincial Capitol in Puerto Princesa City, in parallel with the launch of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) project INCENTIVISE.
The 37 free WiFi access sites will help bridge the digital divide, improve quality of life, and improve social and economic He said it will help promote development.
The municipalities included in the list are Busuanga City, Colon City, Curion City, Cuyo City, El Nido City, Taytay City, San Vicente City, Roxas City, Nara City, and Puerto Princesa City.
Mr Valira said the Broadband ng Masa project had adopted a “technology-neutral approach” to the provision of internet services. This means not prioritizing or relying exclusively on a single technology to provide connectivity in a tourist destination.
They established 23 sites and 115 access points under the WiFi Internet Access Initiative in Palawan Tourist Attractions.
In addition, within the framework of the Provision of Internet Access by Low Earth Orbit Satellites (PIALEOS), low earth orbit satellites are used to provide connectivity via access sites in nine areas.
In collaboration with DICT and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) were also deployed and access points were installed at five locations.
“These are different projects that we are launching here. This is in addition to the WiFi access points that were previously installed in Palawan. One project is being done at SUC (State University). “There are some SUCs that are very far away, but they all have internet service available only from free Wi-Fi programs,” he said.
Mr. Varilla conveyed DICT’s appreciation for the teamwork and partnership between various actors including the US government, PhilSA, and local governments through the USAID BEACON (Better Access and Connectivity) project.
Varilla also cited the establishment of a community network in Calayan town through satellite internet terminals provided by PhilSA, and DICT’s commitment to forging cooperative partnerships to ensure connectivity for all Filipinos, especially those in remote areas. Emphasized purpose.
“These are all necessary steps towards delivering broadband services to everyone, and we hope that these collaborations will help us not just connect, connect, connect, but meaningfully reconnect.” he says.
Broadband NG Masa is a government initiative aimed at providing affordable and accessible internet connectivity to the general public to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband infrastructure and increasing internet access. is.
Varilla said the project focuses on strengthening connectivity in various regions, including remote areas and underserved communities, to promote digital inclusion and socio-economic development.
