PBBM’s school Wi-Fi push connects remote classrooms
INQUIRER FILES
From the mountains of Apayao to the islands of Tawi-Tawi, students and teachers in remote areas are now experiencing the power of free internet, thanks to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s nationwide school connectivity drive.
At the center of this effort is Digital Bayanihan, a joint program of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which aims to connect all public schools across the country by the end of 2025.
Salamanca National High School in Ginatilan, Cebu—classified as a Last Mile School—now enjoys reliable internet. Teacher Rowena Signuit described the transformation during a virtual town hall with President Marcos, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda.
“Maraming salamat po sa free WiFi,” she said. “Nagkaroon kami ng pag-asa. Mas naging madali ang pagtuturo.”
Similar stories are emerging from newly connected campuses nationwide, including schools in Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Leyte, North Cotabato, and Agusan del Norte.
President Marcos vowed to expand the initiative. “Marami talagang magagawa kapag may internet na. Pararamihin pa namin ito lalo na sa mga isolated and underserved areas,” he said.
Secretary Angara personally visited Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Agusan del Norte, which also received solar panels, Smart TVs, tablets, electric fans, and a Starlink unit. These came through the support of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and FDC Misamis Power Corporation.
“This is digital bayanihan in action,” said Angara. “When we connect our schools, we connect our students to better futures.”
DICT Secretary Aguda confirmed their target: internet for every public school by the end of 2025. Through programs like Free Public Internet Access and Bayanihan SIM, the administration is bridging the digital divide.
What was once a dream for far-flung campuses is now becoming reality. With connectivity, these schools are stepping into a more inclusive, empowered future—one classroom at a time.
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