The Philippine government is accelerating its digitalization efforts by allocating a P2.5 billion budget to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) nationwide.
Budget Secretary Amena Pangandaman announced the issuance of a Special Allocation Release Order (SARO) worth P2.5 billion and a corresponding P356.2 million cash allocation notice for maintenance and other operating expenses for the first quarter ( NCA) was approved for issuance. DICT’s (MOOE).
This expenditure includes the implementation of locally funded projects, including the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).
“This funding is critical because the Internet is at the heart of a new era, the digital age. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us, makes everything more convenient, educates, It powers the economy, health care, public safety and even government services,” Pangandaman said.
FPIAP involves the construction of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities such as high-capacity networks, middle-mile and last-mile ICT infrastructure, towers, data centers, assets, and other service buildings.
More than P2.4 billion of the budget will be allocated for free internet Wi-Fi connectivity in public places. Meanwhile, the rest of his P50 million will be earmarked for state university (SUC) connectivity-related funds.
“The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is working to make network connectivity more accessible to everyone, especially civil servants and students. Sa Bagong Pilipinas (In New Philippines), We are united as Filipinos both physically and online,” Pangandaman said.
FPIAP aims to provide free internet access in public spaces across the country. These public areas include national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions, public hospitals, health care facilities, public squares, transportation terminals and other gathering places. a bit.
Mr. Pangandaman signed on February 5, 2024, the release of funds to be charged to the Free Public Internet Access Fund Special Account of the General Fund (FPIAF-SAGF) under automatic appropriations for fiscal year 2024.
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