DICT distributes ‘Bayanihan SIM’ cards in remote Catanduanes schools

By Edna Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes ---The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) began distributing thousands of SIM cards with free internet access to students in remote areas of Catanduanes on Monday.

According to the DICT office in Catanduanes, a total of 1,134 SIM cards were provided to students in public schools located in the towns of Bato and San Miguel.

This includes the San Miguel Central School, Libjo Elementary School, Sibacungan Elementary School, Mintay Elementary School, San Pedro Elementary School, Bagumbayan Elementary School, Buenavista Elementary School, and Boton Primary School.

John Nomel Ebuenga, the DICT connectivity focal person for Bicol, said that each SIM card comes with 25 GB of data, which is automatically renewed monthly for up to one year.

The SIM cards will provide students and their families with continuous access to online learning, information, and communication, Ebuenga said.

The SIM card distribution is part of the Bayanihan SIM project, designed to bridge the digital divide by offering free and reliable internet connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, he added.

The agency intends to continue distributing SIM cards in other remote areas within Bato and San Miguel, aiming to reach over 2,700 beneficiaries across the two municipalities.

Socito Padilla Jr., a parent of two grade school children who received the free SIM cards, expressed his gratitude for the government initiative.

“These free SIM cards with internet access are a tremendous help to us because our children can now use the internet for their research,” Padilla said.

Ronnie Trinidad, the head teacher at Buenavista Elementary School, also thanked the DICT, noting, “DICT is a great support because the SIM cards are free for our students and teachers.”

Catanduanes Governor Patrick Alain Azanza, who was present during the distribution, expressed his appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the initiative.

He commended the President’s directive to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity to schools and remote areas across the country.

“We are fortunate to be part of the Digital Bayanihan program, and the provincial government will continue to support this initiative,” Azanza said. (PIA Bicol/Catanduanes)