Free internet connectivity program reaches Mt. Province villages, LGU offices

BAGUIO CITY (February 8, 2025) -- At least twenty seven barangays and local government offices have become beneficiaries of the government’s “Free WiFi for All Program” in Mt. Province.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) handed over the Starlink Wi-Fi equipment to the villages, the Provincial Planning and Development Office, the Sadanga Municipal Hall, and the Bontoc Market Vendors Association during hand-over rites on February 6, 2025 at the Governor Leonard Mayaen Sports Complex in Bontoc, the provincial capital.

The beneficiary barangays are Fiangtin and Macalana in Barlig; Balintaugan, Bagnen Oriente, Bagnen Proper, and Mabaay in Bauko; Tamboan and Soquib in Besao; Alab Proper, Balili, and Bayyo in Bontoc; Banawel, Pudo, and Sta. Isabel in Natonin; Capinitan, Data, and Tambingan in Sabangan; Madongo, Pide, Tetepan, and Patay in Sagada; and Cagubatan, Pandayan, and Tue in Tadian.

DICT-Cordillera Regional Director Engr. Reynaldo T. Sy explained, DICT’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program is a digital empowerment program that aims to connect people through fast, free, and secure internet access wi-fi in public places and in difficult-to-reach areas. “Sa programang ito, gusto po naming mapuna ang pag kukulang ng ating mag-aaral, mga senior citizens, ating mga OFWs sa pamamagitan ng pro-provide ng connectivity sa pagtutulungan ng local government at national government.” 

He emphasized that the free Wi-Fi program is a whole-of-community approach where not only the government is involved but the community as well. “Gusto po naming na ma-train ang mga gagamit kung paano ang tamang paggamit, kung paano ang simpleng maintenance at kung paano po ikakabit ang Starlink. Kasi po gusto po namin na ito ay whole-of-community approach, lahat po tayo may taya hindi lang po ang national government kundi pati po ang barangay ay makasama po natin,” he added.

Following the handover, the DICT spearheaded a one-day training for the installation and maintenance of the Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEO SAT) for the beneficiaries. The DICT Provincial Office will provide further assistance to the beneficiaries regarding concerns and issues with the free wi-fi program.

Provincial officials encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the free wifi program, ensuring that the DICT is continuing to expand coverage to additional barangays. According to the DICT, at least 68 barangays in Mt. Province earlier benefitted from the Free WiFi for All Program.