President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to expanding internet connectivity to schools in remote and geographically isolated areas across the Philippines.
Speaking during a virtual interaction with teachers and students from disadvantaged communities, Marcos emphasized the importance of keeping schools connected, particularly those in hard-to-reach regions. The event took place during his visit to Flora Ylagan High School in Quezon City, alongside Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda.
“It’s essential that our schools stay connected. More and more schools are getting internet access, and we will continue this program,” Marcos said.
The effort is part of DICT’s larger digital push, with programs such as JuanSIM ng Bayan, the Free Public Internet Access Program, and the nationwide Digitalization Agenda playing key roles. The Department of Education (DepEd) is also investing in infrastructure and digital learning tools to support the initiative.
Among the schools that have already received satellite-based internet access through the DICT-DepEd partnership are:
- Tangalagan National High School (Apayao, CAR)
- Chanarian Elementary School (Batanes, Region II)
- Tibagan Elementary School (Bulacan, Region III)
- Caigdal National High School (Quezon, Region IV-A)
- Duyay Elementary School (Marinduque, Region IV-B)
- Lipata Integrated School (Bicol, Region V)
- Salamanca National High School (Cebu, Region VII)
- Nalil Elementary School (Tawi-Tawi, Region IX)
- Dalingap Elementary School (Misamis Occidental, Region X)
- Cabawa Elementary School (Surigao del Norte, Region XIII)
Educators thanked the administration for its efforts in bridging the digital divide and enhancing learning in underserved communities.