DICT expands digital transformation, access in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace Patosa Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — For years, students at San Jose National High School relied on paid ‘piso’ Wi-Fi just to complete research and school assignments, often spending their limited allowance simply to connect to the internet.
Now, the inconvenience of the piso Wi-Fi or a coin-operated, prepaid internet vending machine has ceased.
The launch of the Technology Empowerment for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (Tech4ED)-Digital Transformation Center (DTC) and Free Wi-Fi for All sites in Bislig City on June 29 is opening new opportunities for students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and residents by providing free internet access, expanding digital learning, and bringing government services closer to the community.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga unveiled the facilities as part of the culmination of the National ICT Month 2026, reinforcing the national government’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and making digital services accessible to every Filipino under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The establishment of the DCT reflects the strong collaboration between the national and local governments in promoting digital inclusion and empowering communities through information and communications technology.
The first phase of the 400-square-meter facility was funded through the initiative of former second district Congressional Representative Johnny T. Pimentel, the concurrent governor of the province, and the second and third phases were financed by the city government of Bislig under the leadership of Mayor Florencio C. Garay.
Also, the city government donated the 1,000-square-meter project site, demonstrating its commitment to expanding digital opportunities for its constituents.
During the launch, DICT Undersecretary Leandro Angelo Aguirre encouraged Filipinos to maximize the use of the internet for productive purposes, emphasizing that digital connectivity should create opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
He noted that digital platforms can help students access educational resources while enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to bring their businesses online and reach wider markets.
The initiative is expected to improve access to digital learning, online government services, digital skills training, and reliable internet connectivity, particularly for communities with limited access to technology.
For students like Jovan Reby Alam of San Jose National High School, free internet access has already begun transforming the way they learn.
“Before DICT installed the free Wi-Fi, we had to pay for piso Wi-Fi just to connect to the internet and search for resources for our assignments,” Alam shared.
“It is a great honor and privilege that our school was chosen for the Free Wi-Fi for All Program. In the school’s 20-year history, this is the first time we have received free internet access. Thank you, DICT, for this opportunity.”
He added that students can now easily access reliable online resources and stay updated on current issues, allowing them to keep pace with learners from other schools.
The benefits also extend to skills training institutions.
Manilyn Ango, a staff member of the TESDA Bislig City Skills Training Center, said the free WiFi has significantly improved the delivery of training services to clients.
“Thank you, DICT, for providing free Wi-Fi in our training center. It is a great help to our trainees and clients. We hope this service will continue so more people can benefit from it,” she said.
Through the DICT Free Public Internet Access Program, Bislig City now operates 85 internet access points in schools, government offices, public spaces, and other key establishments. These include 35 Free Wi-Fi access points for all sites across the city and one access point at the newly established Digital Transformation Center, expanding digital connectivity and access to essential online services for the community.
More than providing internet connectivity, the initiative opens doors to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and more efficient public service delivery, ensuring that digital opportunities reach communities and helping bridge the digital divide one connection at a time.
Under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda, the national government’s continuing investments in digital infrastructure seek to build digitally empowered communities, promote inclusive economic growth, and ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the country’s digital transformation. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
