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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider DBM approves P2.5 billion budget for free public area WiFi

DBM approves P2.5 billion budget for free public area WiFi

Published Feb 15, 2024 07:24 am

At A Glance

  • The Department of Budget and Management approved the release of over P2.5 billion for free Wi-Fi connectivity in public places.<br>This budget will support the government's free internet access program which encompasses the construction of information communication technology facilities.<br>Of the budget, P2.4 billion will be utilized for free internet WiFi connectivity, while the remaining P50 million is for connectivity concerns of state universities and colleges.<br>The DBM also released the P356.2M for the maintenance and other operating expenses of the Department of Information and Communications Technology—Office of the Secretary.

Over P2.5 billion will be allocated for free Wi-Fi connectivity in public places this year, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

This as Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved the issuance of issuance of a special allotment release order (SARO) amounting to P2.5 billion for the implementation of the Free Public Internet Access Program.

This program encompasses the construction of information communication technology (ICT) facilities like high-capacity networks, middle mile, and last mile ICT infrastructures, as well as towers, data centers, assets, and other service buildings.

Of the budget, P2.4 billion will be utilized for free internet WiFi connectivity, while the remaining P50 million goes to connectivity concerns for state universities and colleges.

Aside from the SARO, the DBM also released the notice of cash allocation for the first quarter amounting to P356.2M for the maintenance and other operating expenses of the Department of Information and Communications Technology—Office of the Secretary.

“This funding is crucial because the internet is central to our emerging new age— the digital era. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us and makes everything more convenient, powering education, economy, health care, public safety, and even government services,” Pangandaman said.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration strives to make network connectivity more available for everyone, especially for our public servants and students. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, we are united as Filipino people both physically and online,” she added.

The FPIA will include public areas such as national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority institutions, as well as public hospitals, medical care facilities, plazas, and transport terminals, among others.

This budget is charged to the Free Public Internet Access Fund—Special Accounts in the General Fund under the fiscal year 2024 Automatic Appropriations.

Related Tags

free public Internet FREE WIFI Department of Budget and Management Amenah F. Pangandaman
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