DICT: Over 145K people in Bicol have free Wi-Fi access

By Benilda Recebido and Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY --- More than 145,000 unique users have benefited from free internet access through the “BroadBand ng Masa” program of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

According to a report from the DICT’s regional office in Bicol in June 2025, these users are enjoying free Wi-Fi access in 114 local government units, 441 public schools, and other public spaces throughout the region.

The DICT has installed over 2,287 free Wi-Fi infrastructures across the region.

The initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s digitalization agenda, which he underscored in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, noting that nearly 10 million unique devices were connected in over 13,000 locations nationwide through the Free Wi-Fi Program.

The free Wi-Fi installations include 617 fiber optic connections and 250 Starlink units aimed at serving geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Bicol.

Recently, the DICT installed infrastructure poles for the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Fiber Cable Attachment. This installation followed the final inspection of phases 2 and 3 of the NFB fiber access, which connects the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in Daraga to the DICT in Bicol.

In Sorsogon province, 432 access points have been installed across 153 sites, providing free internet connectivity to key public areas such as municipal halls, the provincial capitol, barangay halls, rural health units, hospitals, public schools, state universities, and colleges, as well as GIDAs.

Ralph dela Torre, an engineer at the DICT, said that the Free Wi-Fi program in Sorsogon ensures equal digital access for residents, particularly for students and workers.

“We are in the digital age, where online access is crucial for education and work. Free Wi-Fi ensures equal opportunities, contributing to economic development in Sorsogon and the Philippines, and helping Filipinos keep pace with the evolving digital world,” Dela Torre explained.

Barangay Trece Martires in Casiguran, Sorsogon, is one of the areas benefiting from free internet access under this program.

Hayna Mendoza, a resident and barangay secretary of Trece Martires, shared that the program has been a significant help for both students and barangay workers like herself.

“This program is truly a big help,” Mendoza noted. “It assists not only students but also barangay workers, as most transactions and reports are now conducted online.”

She observed that many students who lack internet access at home now spend their afternoons after class and even their weekends at the barangay hall to complete assignments, conduct research, and fulfill other educational or communication needs.

“It also helps residents save money because they no longer need to spend on mobile data. I just hope this service won’t be temporary. It would be challenging if the free service suddenly stops, forcing us to allocate barangay funds for Wi-Fi,” she added.

At the recent launch of a free public Wi-Fi site at Rawis Elementary School in Legazpi City, Kristehl Onesa, a faculty member, said, “This is a great help for our online reporting, research, and communication with the Department of Education.”

She added: “It also makes preparing lesson plans and accessing digital learning materials for our students much easier.”

Vernice Imperial, a Grade 11 student at San Rafael National School, mentioned that she can now access reliable internet whenever her subjects require research or assignments.

To ensure safe and responsible use of the internet, the DICT has implemented content filtering mechanisms that block or restrict access to certain types of online content that may be inappropriate, harmful, or unsafe, promoting safe browsing, especially for minors.

Additionally, Dela Torre encouraged the public to use the internet responsibly to ensure it benefits students and other users.

He emphasized the importance of being cautious when sharing personal information online to avoid cyber threats such as scams or hacking and suggested that internet access should be maximized for productive purposes.

Cyryl Montales, the public information officer of DICT Bicol, revealed that the government aims to add 1,500 new free Wi-Fi sites throughout the region by 2026.

Implemented under RA 10929, or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, this program covers government offices, schools, health facilities, and transport terminals. (PIA Bicol)