Legarda pushes for Wifi access in GIDA sites, IP towns

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda laid out her plans for the digitalization and internet connectivity in the country during a meeting with Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) officials — Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, Undersecretary Angelo Nuestro, and Assistant Secretary Philip Varilla — at the Senate of the Philippines.

Legarda, the principal author of Republic Act No. 10844, the law that created the DICT, emphasized the importance of information and communications technology infrastructure, systems, and resources to ensure universal access to quality, affordable, reliable, and secure ICT services.

The four-term senator cited her home province of Antique, where around 40% of the residents use Globe and Smart for connectivity. The tower sites of these networks are concentrated in central areas, while the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), indigenous communities, and other upland barangays are still having difficulties with their connection.

This 2023, through the efforts of Senator Legarda and Congressman AA Legarda, 150 Wi-Fi sites will be installed in the province, with more to follow in the coming years.

Moreover, 18 municipalities in Antique will undergo digital advancements to make public services easier, faster, and more efficient.

“We are doing this in Antique, and we will do this in the different parts of the country with our strengthened partnership with the DICT because we want every community, including our indigenous communities, to be connected digitally so that they will not be left behind,” said Legarda.

On the part of DICT, Lamentillo said that the Department will aggressively pursue its mandate, such as building digital infrastructure that will not only connect communities including those in far-flung areas but would also provide citizens with better quality of life through the delivery of speedy and efficient government services to the people.

“We thank Senator Loren Legarda for her unwavering support to the DICT, from its inception and up to the present as we strive to ensure that every community in the country is digitally connected,” said Lamentillo.

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