Bayanihan SIM Project reaches learners in remote Surigao Sur communities
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 1,184 beneficiaries, including students, teaching personnel, and non-teaching staff, received Bayanihan SIM cards from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga’s Bayanihan SIM Project, reaching underserved communities in Surigao del Sur.
The January 26–27 distribution event served as the second leg of the project implementation in the region, covering six schools located in the municipalities of Cantilan, San Miguel, and Madrid.
Under the Bayanihan SIM (subscriber identity module) Project, the subsidized cards are distributed to qualified beneficiaries located within mobile network coverage areas.
Each SIM card provides 25 gigabytes of free mobile data per month for 12 months, with automatic monthly data spending and no data rollover. Content controls are applied to ensure a safe and child-friendly internet environment, particularly for student beneficiaries.
Also, beneficiaries or their authorized representatives are required to present valid identification, possess a compatible device, and complete onsite SIM registration in compliance with the SIM Registration Act.
Municipal officials expressed their gratitude for the initiative, recognizing its significant impact on the education sector since internet connectivity has become more of a necessity than a luxury for students today.
“With this, we can say that the taxes of the people are spent well. Thank you, DICT, for bringing this service to our municipality,” Madrid Mayor Juan Pablo Lopez said.
Meanwhile, DICT Caraga Director Mario P. Cuñado said that the Bayanihan SIM Project supports the government’s Digital Bayanihan thrust by promoting inclusive connectivity and enabling access to online learning and essential digital services.
“The Bayanihan SIM Project aims to bridge the digital divide in education and seeks to level the playing field for learners in remote areas by addressing the daily challenge of internet affordability. With improved connectivity, students and teachers gain equal opportunities to access online resources and participate in digital learning,” Cuñado said.
“For the Caraga region, a total of 66, 720 SIM cards have been allocated under the project. Phase 1 targets the distribution of 27, 800 SIM cards to approximately 60 public schools in underserved areas, while Phase 2 allocates an additional 38,920 SIM cards for beneficiaries in unserved areas,” Cuñado added.
He added that during the Jan. 20–22 leg, the project reached 17 public schools in the towns of Bacuag, Gigaquit, and Placer, all in Surigao del Norte, with 4,770 SIM cards distributed to teachers, students, and school personnel.
He noted that the recipients welcomed the initiative as the project has the potential to transform classroom instruction and administrative efficiency. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DICT Caraga)