By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Recognizing that online connectivity serves as the backbone of the modern world, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) under the leadership of Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has released P2.5 billion for the government’s free Internet in public places program.
On Thursday (15 February 2024), the DBM said in a statement that Pangandaman has approved a P2.5-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to implement the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP).
“This funding is crucial because the internet is central to our emerging new age—the digital era. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us and makes everything more convenient, powering education, the economy, health care, public safety, and even government services,” Pangandaman said.
It was learned that the FPIAP involves the construction of ICT facilities like high-capacity networks, middle- and last-mile ICT infrastructures, as well as towers, data centers, assets, and other service buildings.
Targeted public areas include national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions, as well as public hospitals, medical care facilities, plazas, and transport terminals.
The DBM said the FPIAP aims to provide zero-cost internet access in public spaces nationwide.
It also disclosed that the P2.5-billion SARO is chargeable against the Free Public Internet Access Fund—Special Accounts in the General Fund (FPIAF-SAGF) under the 2024 national budget.
(el Amigo/MNM)