MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to enhance internet connectivity in the Eastern Visayas, particularly in isolated areas, to improve access to broadband services.
During a meeting with the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Tacloban City on Friday, Marcos revealed that the government has developed a new system to ensure reliable internet service in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). The initiative aims to address the digital divide in these hard-to-reach communities.
“We’ve decided on a system that will bring internet to GIDAs,” Marcos said, highlighting the importance of proximity to fiber optic infrastructure. He added, “If a GIDA is not far from fiber optics, we can install a regular tower. There are also new technologies, such as satellite internet, that we can use to serve more distant islands.”
Governor Sharee Ann Tan of Samar expressed her strong support for the plan, noting that improved internet connectivity would greatly benefit education, especially in GIDA communities in her province. “We truly hope for better internet access for our GIDA areas, as it will support education,” Tan said.
In November 2024, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) set up over 1,048 Wi-Fi access points in public spaces across Eastern Visayas, prioritizing remote areas.
Alongside internet connectivity, Marcos and the RDC also discussed other regional concerns, such as water and electricity supply, infrastructure, and healthcare. The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of Eastern Visayas residents.
ia/mnm
