The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) deployed free Internet access, through its Free Wi-Fi for All program, to evacuees in Nasugbu, Batangas affected by the Taal Volcano unrest.

The DICT said the emergency free Wi-Fi site will help evacuees contact their families and receive the latest news on the situation of the restive volcano.
It will also help the students in the said evacuation site to continue their online and blended studies, as well as aid officials in the evacuation site in submitting situation reports to the requesting agencies.
“It is imperative to maintain connectivity and communication services for our evacuees and disaster responders to facilitate an informed and efficient action plan, hence we at the DICT will continue to connect the people in these areas through our Free Wi-Fi for All program,” DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” B. Honasan II said in a statement Tuesday, July 6.

The free Wi-Fi site was installed by the agency, through its Luzon Cluster 2, at Bilaran Elementary School Temporary Evacuation Center in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Likewise, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) was reminded that pursuant to Memorandum Order No. 05-04-2011 dated April 16, public telecommunications entities are mandated to provide free charging and calling stations in evacuation sites across Batangas City.
“The order also required the deployment of adequate technical and support personnel as well as standby generators to sites affected by the recent Taal volcanic activity,” the DICT said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) maintained the Alert Level 3 raised over Taal Volcano due to continuous “magmatic unrest.”