DBM: P2.5 billion fund for free public internet released

The government releases P2.5 billion to support its free public internet program, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) says on Thursday, February 15, 2024. INQUIRER.net stock images

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday said it released  P2.5 billion to support the government’s free public internet program.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the  Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the P2.5 billion, as well as a Notice of Cash Allocation amounting to P356.2 million for the maintenance expenses of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

“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, economy, health care, public safety, and even government services,” she said in a statement.

The DBM chief explained that a total of P2.4 billion is allocated for free internet wifi connectivity in public spaces while the remaining P50 million is allocated for State Universities and Colleges.

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“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration strives to make network connectivity more available for everyone, especially for our public servants and students. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, we are united as Filipino people both physically and online,” Pangandaman said.

According to the DBM, the money came from the Free Public Internet Access Fund-Special Accounts which is contained in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

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The funding encompasses a wide range of locally funded projects under the Free Public Internet Access Program, such as towers, data centers, and other service buildings, it added.