As part of its goal to bring free internet services to remote areas in the Philippines, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched three Broadband ng Masa sites in three far-flung island villages in Zamboanga City.
DICT initially visited Sacol to assess the possibility of providing a stable internet service in the island. However, during the assessment, the department discovered that they can further extend the connectivity to two more geographically-isolated islands in Zamboanga City called Tigtabon and Pangapuyan.
“he island has long been deprived of robust broadband infrastructure. Even the most basic telecommunications services of making phone calls and sending text messages have been challenging for the locals over the years. Thanks to the magic of Bayanihan, together with our partners and the local community, we are now able to connect Sacol and 2 more nearby islands, Tigtabon and Pangapuyan, through the Broadband ng Masa initiative,” said DICT Assistant Secretary for Regional Development Maria Teresa Camba on Saturday, Oct. 8.
The newly-launched sites may now be accessed in selected areas. For Sacol Island, the free internet service is accessible at Madrasah, Landang Laum Elementary School, Landang Laum Barangay Hall, and Landang Gua Elementary School.
For Pangapuyan Island, it can be accessed at Pangapuyan Elementary School and Pangapuyan Barangay Hall. Meanwhile, Tigtabon has only one Broadband ng Masa site which is accessible at Tigtabon Barangay Hall.