Filipinos’ digital life changed drastically with the constant need for connectivity. Distance learning and work-from-home arrangements continuously challenge the underprivileged families struggling to cope with digitalization.
Driven to address this need, Globe entered into a partnership with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to deploy KonekTayo WiFi in over 100 NHA resettlement sites nationwide. Within the year, the KonekTayo Wifi will benefit about 40,000 housing beneficiaries.
The move is part of Globe’s commitment to bring affordable internet solutions to every Filipino. Internet connectivity has become a necessity in the country due to the accelerated digital adoption brought about by the pandemic.
KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that provides households with an affordable internet connection without the need for a modem, a postpaid subscription, or mobile data. Instead, residents can simply connect to the service and choose from various prepaid data packs that suit their budget.
Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO, was present at the launch, expressing his appreciation to NHA on the partnership: "We are grateful for this partnership with the NHA and will work with them to fulfill their core mission to promote decent, liveable, and resilient homes for all Filipinos, through low-cost and reliable internet connectivity."
Likewise, Marcelino Escalada, Jr., General Manager of NHA returned the appreciation to Globe saying, “We are grateful for this partnership with Globe that allows us to better serve our constituents by helping them with their digital needs. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with Globe.”
KonekTayo WiFi is available in the following NHA communities: Disiplina Village I- Ugong, Disiplina Village II- Bignay, Valenzuela; Paradise Heights and Vitas LRB in Tondo, Manila; Malabon Homes in Malabon; Lanit River Plains in Iloilo; Greendale Residences, Guadalupe Heights, St Francis Village and North Hill Arbours in Tacloban, Leyte; and Paraiso Heights in Sagay, Negros Occidental. And soon, KonekTayo WiFi will be available in other selected NHA communities nationwide.
In addition to WiFi services, Globe has also committed to conduct ambassadorship training for the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) for communities and implement the eWaste Zero Program in various NHA areas where KonekTayo is made accessible.
DTP educates the youth on digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology through workshops and modules while eWaste Zero is a recovery and recycling program that teaches and ensures proper disposal of electronic wastes. This ensures that communities that are provided access to the internet are also provided access to education on how to act responsibly when online, not to mention being able to protect themselves and loved ones from various online risks and dangers.
Engaging more communities through KonekTayo is also part of Globe’s larger commitment to support digital learning while kids are unable to physically go to school.
During the early stages of the pandemic, Globe stepped in by launching the Globe e-Library (globe elibrary.ph), and granting free access to the government’s online learning platforms, such as the DepEd Commons (https://commons.deped.gov.ph/), the Commission on Higher Education’s Phil-Connect (https://phlconnect.ched.gov.ph/home), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s online learning platform (https://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/).
A 2020 report from the World Bank showed that digital adoption in the Philippines generally trails behind many regional neighbors despite high internet usage. The digital divide, which arises from gaps in digital literacy and digital content, contributes to unequal access to services delivered via the internet.
"With more affordable connectivity, NHA beneficiaries are now empowered to get equal access to information and the modern economy, equal opportunities for education, and equal chances for productivity and livelihood," Cu said.
Globe remains committed to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9, which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is also committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
To learn more about KonekTayo WiFI and how to bring the technology to the community, visit KonekTayo WiFi's Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/konektayowifi or contact [email protected].