DICT bridges Surigao Norte digital divide with Bayanihan SIM Project
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga rolled out the Bayanihan SIM Project, a flagship initiative to expand digital access for education in underserved communities.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Health (DOH).
With launching held on January 20 at Campo National High School (CNHS) in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, DICT Caraga Technical Operations Division Chief Lawrence P. Salang explained that the Bayaniham SIM Project is an initiative of DICT aimed at providing digital access across the country.
“The project provides free subscriber identity module (SIM) cards with mobile data to public school students and teachers. The members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) also served as secondary beneficiaries of the project,’ Chief Salang said.
He added that the objective is to help learners and educators conveniently access digital learning materials, and online research especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. “Through this project, DICT seeks to address limited or lack of internet connectivity and ensure that no Filipino learner is left behind in the digital age.”
Meanwhile, Engineer. Roland P. Taganahan, DICT Caraga Connectivity section head, said, “In Caraga region, a total of 66, 720 SIM cards have been allocated under the program. Phase 1 alone covers 27,800 SIM cards distributed to around 60 public schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Each SIM card comes with a 25 giga bytes (GB) monthly data allocation, ensuring that both learners and educators can access online resources, learning platforms and communication tools essential for academic growth.”
“From January 20 – 22, the project reached 17 public schools across Bacuag, Gigaquit and Placer with 4,770 sim cards already distributed. Teachers and students welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to transform classroom instruction and administrative efficiency,” he added.
Campo National High School (CNHS) Supreme Secondary Learner Government President Lyka G. Tino thanked the national government for launching the much needed Bayanihan SIM Project. “This initiative is a significant help to the student community, providing the essential connectivity needed for research, communication, and educational resources.”
“By easing the financial burden on internet expenses, you have made learning equitable and accessible. This support truly motivates us to excel in our studies and strive for a brighter future,” Tino said.
According to DICT Caraga, the Bayanihan SIM Project is set to expand further, with connectivity support reaching 43 more schools in the coming weeks. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and sustaining learning continuity beyond school grounds. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DICT Caraga)
