DICT offers free internet services to Caraga families with loved ones in Mideast
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga has opened its digital transformation centers (DTCs) to allow families to communicate with their loved ones in the Middle East.
DICT Caraga Director Mario P. Cuñado said that the regional office’s initiative helps families with loved ones affected by the ongoing conflict sparked by the February 28 Israel-US attack on Iran.
“In these trying times, our agency is looking into helping families in the region to check online the welfare of their loved ones who are in the Middle East. As much as possible, connectivity should be convenient and not costly,” Dir. Cuñado said. “Concerned families may visit our digital transformation centers strategically located in the region so they can connect their gadgets to free internet at the DTCs.”
He emphasized that the DTCs are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also, family representatives can take advantage of other free services, including computer and video messaging tools. There is an assigned staff member in the DTCs to assist them with the services.
Accordingly, there are four DTCs in the region, which are the following:
-DTC
Butuan – DICT Caraga Regional Office, J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City;
-DTC
Agusan del Sur – DICT Agusan del Sur, San Francisco Municipal Grounds;
-DTC
Surigao del Norte – DICT Surigao del Norte, Brgy. Washington, Surigao City;
-DTC Dinagat Islands – DICT Dinagat Office, Cagdianao Municipal Grounds.
The regional director said they are coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga, the primary government agency safeguarding the welfare and protection of Overseas Filipino Workers during fortuitous and catastrophic events in host countries.
“We have provided one unit of Starlink to support the operation of the DMW Caraga Help Desk, ensuring reliable connectivity in handling requests for assistance from OFWs and their families,” he added.
With the recent tension in the Middle East, DMW Caraga has activated its helpdesk and hotline numbers:
- 0993-279-8082
- 0907-694-3525
- 0930-205-8721
- 0950-305-7533
- 0948-475-6812
- 0945-882-0646
Welfare and Reintegration Services Division
DMW Caraga WhatsApp Number:
- 0950-305-7533. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
